Big Apple Diary

 

Hi All,

 

Last night, Americans took a well deserved rest from the pressures of the current economy to engage in the glamour and whimsy of the 81st Academy Awards. This year, the show itself was all about a new format and the celebrities took a new approach in dress. They definitely toned it down reverting to the glamour of Old Hollywood. Americans opened their hearts to the culture of India and dance of Bollywood by rewarding Slum Dog Millionaire with 8 Oscars. This has become the feel good movie of the year giving the U.S. audience a reason to smile in the midst of all this doom & gloom. In fact, the hottest emerging trend in Hollywood is to take Indian dance lessons which incorporate traditional Indian folk with hip-hop type moves. This is true Bollywood style which provides better physical conditioning than palates!

 

 

For those "outsiders" of retail- wholesale related businesses, it was a well deserved respite from their daily routines.

 

However, for us "insiders", it was business as usual as we rated the fashion do's & don'ts on the Red Carpet in search of the commercially acceptable trends that will not break the bank! Now more than ever before in this competitive marketplace, the industry is looking for quick turn influences that are adaptable for short cocktail dresses, club-wear, proms or tee shirts.

 

The Academy Awards brings out the celebrity in all customers whether young or old. So what must have fashion messages will move them to open up some disposable income?

 

 

Interesting necklines dominated the red carpet;

« Strapless silhouettes were #1

« Asymmetrical one shoulder

« Halters

 

Fabrics were sheer & transparent or shiny & sleek. Either look was feminine, romantic and goddess-like.

 

Silhouettes ranged from;

« Frou- frou ballerinas with full skirts looking like the "Glenda the good witch"

« Sophisticated columns

« Form fitting mermaid bodies

 

 

Color focused on;

« Neutral & subdued hues: shades of nude, khaki, ochre, dove grey

« Lots of white…often set off with touches of silver metallic

« The Blues: from electric blue to sapphire to deep navy to shades of purple

« Vivid pinks looked outstanding

« Starkl Black looked boring but black mixed with steel grey or sapphire looked fresh & new

 

 

Embellishment set off a majority of the dresses;

« Lots of metallic touches

« Bejeweled with crystals, paillettes, stones

« Heavy embroidery

« Mesh, lace, tulle & netting trims

 

Details and adornment added interest & pop;

« Origami accents

« Pleating

« Bondage / banding

« Draping & fabric manipulation

« Cascading ruffles

« Long trains

 

 

There was quite a reversal in jewelry trends,

« Gone were the necklaces, bracelets & earrings dripping with diamonds

« In were chunky statement necklaces & collars often paired up with cuffs

 

This year's Academy Awards were a defining moment in a recessionary climate. Fashion and taste reigned supreme as Hollywood "fashionista's" proved that the transformation to "recessionista" can be accomplished with style and class. A definite inspiration for the hidden celebrity in all of us!

 

Until next week,

Cheryl