Fast Forward: A New Decade A New Era

Shopping

 

In terms of retail 2009 saw a shift among industry leaders. Bulk buying became vulgar and it became all about quality and individuality. Mary (Queen of Shops) Portas slated the value sector for its wear-it-now chuck-it-later ethos – resulting in consumers tuned-in to instant gratification as opposed to shopping for style and quality. While fashion leaders embraced clothes-swapping parties, vintage and the odd designer purchase the masses headed to cheap-as-chips value chains and supermarket clothing lines to get their fashion fix.

 

According to leading trend forecasters consumer attitudes are steadily changing; they predict shoppers will buy less in terms of items and will spend more time considering what they will purchase. Retailers, therefore, will have to up their game to lure in trade so expect plenty of designer collaborations, Pop-Up shops, limited-edition lines, rock-up spaces and in-store events. Meanwhile on the web, e-tailers get smarter with sites that remember your size, style preference and, of course, payment details.

 

DIY

 

Customisation may be nothing new to those brave enough to cut, sew and embellish but now workshops and craft spaces are opening across the land from knicker making classes www.enamore.co.uk to the art of homemade gifts The Makery www.themakeryonline.co.uk

 

Video

 

Forget typing your latest status update on the likes of Facebook and Twitter – video is breaking through. Move over Blog it’s now time to get camera ready and present your Vlog.

 

 

Fashion

 

Legs: From New York to Milan designers made legs the erogenous zone of the season ranging from modest above the knee hemlines to bottom-skimming hotpants.

 

Underwear as Outerwear: Slips on show to see-through sections; Jean Paul Gaultier referenced his iconic cone bras of yesteryear while sheer camis, corsetry and feminine lace-trims featured through-out Christian Dior.

 

The Blazer: Worn slightly boxy and loose the boyfriend blazer gives a nod to androgyny, the late 80s and easy chic in one fail swoop.

 

Other notable trends include: Smartened-up sportswear, all-in-one playsuits, a touch of military, bold digital prints, plus ice-cream shades, white, nude and muted grey, tan and of course, black.

 

Designers to watch: Peter Pilotto, Osman, Graeme Black, Felder Felder, Hannah Marshall, Ziad Ghanem, Richard Nicoll and James Long.

 

Exhibitions

 

Old School Elegance: Providing lashings of vintage inspiration the V&A open the doors on Grace Kelly’s extremely elegant wardrobe this spring, while the National Portrait Gallery pays tribute to over 120 exquisite portraits shot by Irving Penn.

 

Irving Penn Portraits opens 18th February at the National Portrait Gallery, London

 

Grace Kelly: Style Icon opens 17th April at the V&A, London

 

Film

 

Back to the 80s with new versions of Footloose, The Karate Kid and Wall Street 2 due out. Also on the cards is a big-screen version of The A-Team along with the hotly anticipated Alice in Wonderland featuring Johnny Depp and belle du jour Mia Wasikowska and Sex in the City 2.

 

Model

 

Abbey Lee Kershaw: Fondly known as Abbey Lee, the Australian fashion model has already bagged ad campaigns for Gucci, D&G and CK Jeans. A regular on the show circuit Abbey Lee has an adaptable look that can take her from commercial to edgy in the sweep of a blusher brush. This girl has longevity and Fashion TV agrees placing her top of the tree in their First Face Countdown for S/S 2010.

 

Afternoon Cocktails

 

Cocktails après travailler are the way forward with a selection of teacup cocktails that combine the caffeine buzz of tea and coffee with shots of alcohol. A particular favourite is the Espresso Martini to kick start those evening shenanigans.

 

 

By JoJo Iles