Fall is arriving, one of the biggest signs for me is when the Canadian Geese start to warm up their wings. You can see them flying around in circles and squawking. They are such a beautiful animal, but that’s for another post.
In preparation for fall and winter 2008/09 fashions, I’d like to introduce you to a few new artisan jewelry pieces as well as highlight a few key fall and winter fashion trends. Pangea Collection’s believe however is – go with what you love and while it’s great to have a few trendy pieces, we believe that the best fashions stand the test of time.
Actually we’re seeing many “trends” each new season that are either somewhat of a continuation of previous season’s themes or are retro. These retro trends make it perfect for shopping your closet.
Go in deep to the back of the closet I bet you still have something from seventies and/or 80s in there, unless of course you weren’t born yet, in this case raid your mother’s closet. Some of you (or your mom) may even have pieces that work beautifully for the 50s glam pin up look.
This season basically every era is back and you’ll look right on trend wearing any retro decade piece – one suggestion though is not to over do it. One or two retro pieces, whether apparel or artisan jewelry, with something more contemporary works really well. This is a common way for the designers to make retro fashions look contemporary. They add a new twist to the retro style either in design, fabric or accessories.
Our suggestion is dig out and recycle/reuse those beautiful retro pieces from the back of the closet and mix them up with fresh elements, you’ll be looking perfectly stylish.
Here are a few of the trends and in particular I’ll highlight the artisan jewelry pieces from Pangea Collection that could put the finishing details on the outfit. Don’t forget though to look at what you already have and add new pieces only where you need them, this will save you money and time shopping and is eco responsible.
Here are a few of the Fall/Winter 2008/09 trends:
Overarching
Two over arching trends are:
i. A mix of day for night. By this I mean wearing pieces which one would traditionally wear as evening wear for daywear. I’m not talking the full on gown but rather a sequin tank say under a blazer for a little daytime sparkle.
ii. Trends that run through both apparel and accessories most of the trends are affecting all elements of the outfit which is nice because you can choose how far you go with the look of the trend by the element you select ie want to be a little more subtle go with just one accessory from the trend.
Colour Trends
Apparel and artisan jewelry in purple, pink, deep red, green and blue are hot.
Bali Green Agate and Silver Drop Earrings
I. Isn’t It Romantic
It’s wonderful to have a romantic trend in fashion into the fall. When we want to bundle up into warm sweaters, it’s nice to have a counter balance in flowing fabrics and romantic accessories, a la Victorian style.
Artisan jewelry to achieve this look would definitely include chandelier earrings.
Bangladesh Romantic Chandelier Earrings
II. Mumbai Mystique
Asian fashion and East Indian fashion specifically, is becoming more and more popular. Designer Alexander McQueen’s fall runway show was a perfect example of this. No surprise he spent 6 months in India – makes sense the inspiration for the collection came from India.
Pangea Collection added a large collection of Fair Trade Indian pieces which started to arrive in the end of summer. Check out the new pieces now available many of which include fair trade jewelry. You can view the entire Indian Fair Trade Collection or just the Mumbai Mystique trend pieces
Fair Trade Jewelry – Red Rondelle Burnt Horn Necklace
III. Bangle Bazaar
There seems to be no end to bangle desire – hint this is a good investment to take you into spring/summer 2009. NYC Fashion Week was last week and there were plenty of big chunky bangles on the runway for Spring/Summer 09.
Check out the artisan jewelry bangle collection
Fair Trade Jewelry – Jali Cut Wood Bangle
IV. Metallics
Gold, Brass, Silver and Pewter oh my! Metallic influences in clothing and in accessories. See Pangea Collection’s Metallic Artisan Jewelry
V. Leather
Whether you’re going for the rocker chic look or a more polished classic image, leather is hot this fall.
Leather is showing up in clothing and accessories – from bomber and motorcycle style jackets to leather mini dresses to bags, scarves, gloves and necklaces.
VI. Fringe and Feathers
Fringe dresses like flapper dresses from the 20s, fringes on boots and bags. Feather accents on apparel and accessories.
VII. Architectural
Apparel shapes are reflecting an architectural influence – interesting draping and cuts in the clothing.
Art Deco and Architectural inspired artisan jewelry
VIII. Decade Retro
20s through to the 80s with a focus on 50s Pin Up , 70s Hippie and 80s Preppy
Hot retro artisan jewelry
Chunky Double Wood Chain Necklace – Fair Trade Jewelry
IX. Leg Wear
Tights and knee socks rule again. Cable knit, solids, funky patterns, wet and metallic look to Gossip Girl argyle.
X. Shoes
A word about shoes, as you know I’m a self professed recovering shoe-a-holic. I covet shoes and this season if you love shoes you are in for a treat as shoes take on an important fashion role (not that they didn’t before but even more so this season).
Here are a few shoe trends:
• Ankle Boots Kick It – Lace Up Booties – especially Oxford Style, Booties with Cut Outs, Extra Fabric and Folds
• Boots – Fringe, Riding Boots
• Chunky Platform heels – new 70s anyone?
XI. Long Term Trends
While above are the latest fall/winter 2008/09 trends, I believe that there are two trends that are real long-term trends, rather than fads. These two trends are ethnic fashion and social conscious buying such as fair trade jewelry and fashions.
The reason I believe this (other than the obvious fact that I started a business which is directly related to these two trends) is that is where society is heading.
Our cities are becoming more and more multicultural and we are loving it! We’re loving the food and the fashions.
In terms of social conscious buying everything from green fashion to fair trade is becoming more important. We are asking more questions and we care about how and where we spend our dollars.
Again look for pieces you already have an add to them to give you an current look but one that reflects your own personality, no point in looking just like everyone else.
Happy fall!
