FALL 2011 TOP 10 TRENDS: #8 CRAFTING THE FRONTIER

For awhile now, The Sche Report has been talking about a return to artisanal craftiness.  For Fall, many of our favorites got on board the Arts and Crafts revolution and showed some amazing ideas for the Fall season.  Designers such as Rodarte, Proenza Schouler, Etro, Anna Sui, Suno, Isabel Marant and many more presented looks that channeled the Frontier days, the Wild West and Folk Art.

Expect to see the following trends in conjunction with this overall idea:

1. EMBROIDERED TEXTURE:  Look for special embroidery within knitwear with a crafty flair that adds dimension, color and interest to the piece.  Also expect to see in handbags and accessories.
2. PATCHWORK: Patchwork was seen in blanket ponchos, tops and dresses incorporating mixed prints or solid colors for a color blocking scheme.  Rodarte showed looks in leather patchwork on dresses and within sweaters.
3. BLANKET PONCHOS:  A big trend on the runway, this easy outerwear will be a big hit along all different levels of the industry from Juniors to Hipsters and the Fashion Flock.  Expect to see many interpretations out there for Fall, with Stella McCartney’s color blocked version leading the trend.  Hint: Start looking for a Vintage version now to make sure your’s is unique.
4. FRINGE:  A Classic Frontier trim, Fringe was seen on boots, handbags and oversized dresses at Isabel Marant.  Expect to see suede ponchos with fringe trim and jackets with fringe from the Contemporary and Junior markets as the Hipsters will be a big fan of this one.
5. ETHNIC GRAPHIC PRINTS: We’ve seen ethnic prints for awhile now, but for Fall they have a graphic spin. Thakoon and Proenza Schouler led the way in their many colorful prints that were brilliantly mixed and showcased on velvet as well as on their accessories.
6. CROCHET: Christopher Kane presented a collection of futuristic crochet incorporated into dresses and skirts that blew us away.  Expect to see crochet vests, handbags and skirts to be interpreted from his runway in bright colors creating a patchwork effect.
7. MACRAME: Proenza Schouler also showcased a beautiful technique of using macrame within their dresses and skirts in a contrasting color.  This technique presented itself this spring, but is shown in a very unexpected way for Fall.  Expect to see as a trim on apparel and a focus within handbags and boots.
8. SHEEPSKIN/MONGOLIAN FUR:  A classic texture from the Frontier days, thick curled sheepskin was seen on collars, lining jackets, trimming boots and as a material for handbags.  This trend will be easy to interpret at all levels as it can be made faux allowing the Junior market to present the trend in a cost effective way.  The biggest interpretation will be incorporating the material inside lace up boots for added texture.