On Tuesday evening, Fashion Group International (FGI) and Capitol File magazine presented the fall trends for 2011/2012 to a group of fashionable Washingtonians at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virginia. The Fashion Group International is a non-profit organization organized to disseminate information about the fashion industry. They also publish their upcoming trend picks, the fashion trends FGI believes will translate from the runway to real life.
The evening began with cocktails and passed hors d’oevres, along with some great fashion conversation. The attendees were wearing their stylish best. Hermes, Chanel, and Laboutin were spotted, just to name a few. Trends were also present, in great graphic prints, exposed zippers, flared skirts and platforms.
The fashion files settled in their seats for a presentation of trends from the recent New York, Paris, and Milan shows. Fashion shows are about eight months ahead of the season they display. The shows in February displayed sartorial picks for the fall and winter seasons. Trends for the seasons were illustrated using photos from the runways.
Following the presentation, those attending heard from Marylou Luther, Creative Director of FGI. The FGI key trends for fall/winer are:
- plaid
- puffer jackets
- capes
- colored fur
- dots (polka dots, dotted fabric and accessories)
- lace
- contrasting sleeves
- tuxedo
- gold
- pleats
- oversize
- patterned pants
- shift dress
- structured bags
- low heeled pumps
- techno fabrics
She said of these trends most wearable are plaids, dots, and capes. The oversize trend goes hand in hand with capes because your current coats and jackets will no longer fit. Even though there is a deluge of celebrity fashion lines that are forgettable, she believes there are a few here to stay, including The Olsen’s, Gwen Stefani, and Victoria Beckham. Her personal design favorites are Prada, Ric Owens and Marc Jacobs.
It seems too early to purchase fall and winter items. However, now is the time to be on the look out for upcoming trends. Some of the items were available in small quantities last fall and winter and could be on sale now. Vintage, thrift and resale items are availble year round. A vintage on trend item may be waiting. With a little searching you could get fantastic bargains on these trends and be ready to wear them as soon as the weather turns cool.
