To an outsider from the fashion world, spring is flowers and blue skies, and fall is tumbling leaves and the need to layer up. For those of us on the inside of the Fashion industry of the northern hemisphere… it’s very backwards. Spring is January through March (three of the coldest months of the year), and Fall is July through September (three of the hottest!) The difference is, we need to be prepared before we’ve realize the weather has actually turned! After all, we can’t have you realize you need a new pair of boots…and not have them be accessible the very moment you figure it out!
However, the past few years have shown some drastic adjustments, changing the way the world perceives transitions between seasons.
We are seeing three major changes in the way the consumer purchases his or her new items for the season.
1) Mixing seasons
2) Mixing price points
3) Mixing day wear to evening wear
The first and largest change we are seeing is the increase in the importance of “multiple season” garments. I’m talking buying a nautical themed summer dress in March, and wearing it right away paired with cognac ankle boots and a big sweater. Or, a neon yellow tank worn with a charcoal sweater in the fall, then also being able to wear it with denim shorts in the spring.
You will no longer find that nautical dress or neon tank on sale in August… It will in fact be a new arrival. You have the power to now choose your outfits how you see fit. Not based solely on what you think is “correctly seasonal”.
The second change we are seeing is the lack of importance in price. You will more often than not see someone carting around their Saturday shopping purchases: the first bag from Marc Jacobs directly next to their purchase from H&M. Today’s consumer will HAPPILY buy a $250 pair of Adriano Goldshmeid skinnies, and pair them with a $49 blouse from Top Shop. In fact, it’s probably how they justified buying the more expensive item in the first place. Gone are the days of dressing in head to toe designer labels. We now buy what we like, when we like. And we look damn good doing it.
In the words of the late and great Alexander McQueen, “I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern, very now – no one wears head-to-toe designer anymore.”
The third change we are seeing is mixing our traditional “PM” or evening wear, with our casual day time wear. High heels, ripped skinnies, a loose modal tee and a killer statement necklace is all that is required to look fabulous for a night on the town. And dressing down your sequined cocktail dress with leather rocker ankle boots and a denim jacket is perfectly acceptable for lunch with the ladies.
In summary, all three of these changes in the way we shop are reshaping the way the fashion industry caters to you. We know that every item you purchase is now more valuable. Now each item you buy can be worn all year round, and to almost every event in your social calendar. You’ll either go totally disposable and purchase “cheap and cheerful” to fill every outfit dream you could imagine, or you’ll invest in higher priced items, now that you know you can really get your money’s worth. Or… Who are we kidding?… You’ll do both and switch it up!
Now that I’ve got you pumped to go and add a few things to that wardrobe… Lets talk about a few KEY trends for the Spring 2013 season. Note that most of these can be intertwined with each other! No need to stick to just one.
HOW TO ROCK SPRING / SUMMER 2013
Neon (obviously) – Rock it with a tan!
Printed Pants (both jeans and dress pants) – If you are worried about whether you can wear them or not, YOU CAN! If you are curvier, rock it with a longer top. Prints are also a great way to camouflage imperfections.
AG Jeans @agjeans
Peplum (dresses, tops, blazers)- It’s chic and flattering!
Bardot
Pointed Toe Stiletto- It’s back! And, it elongates the leg…who doesn’t want that?
Leather Details – Leather sleeves, paneling, piping: bring out your inner dominatrix! (kidding… sort of…)
Bardot
Crystal Jewelry – Whether you believe in its healing purposes or not… It looks wonderful!
@sakbijoux
Camo– 90’s grunge is back in a big way and camo is a natural reflection of this. This time around it’s classier… Think silks and embellishments with jewels etc.
Dex @dexclothing
Photo Prints – Specifically animals! Owls and tigers seem to be the fave
Mink Pink @minkpink_tweet
Cutouts & Bare Midriffs – If you aren’t “midriff ready” pair them with high waisted items!
Printed Blazers – Continuing from last season… This trend is hotter than ever!
Bardot Fashion
Denim Vests – Back to 90’s grunge!!!
AG Jeans @agjeans
Metallics (especially footwear) – The new neutral.
Sneakers & Sneaker Wedges – Still getting used to this, but I think I’m sold. Nike is the way to go here.
90’s Jewelry – Drop statement earrings, chunky chokers, crosses, knuckle rings!
Bold, Coloured Bags – No more boring black!
Michael Kors @michaelskors
Kerry Lawrence has been working in the fashion industry for 15 years, and has spent her last 9 working with the Horton Berner Fashion Group where she is now a junior partner. The HBFG is based in Vancouver and represents killer mens and women’s lines across Canada. A girl after my own heart, she has a wicked way of mixing hot trends like neon and feminine vintage pieces with timeless silhouettes and classic basics.
A major shout out for being one of my nearest and dearest as well lovely! xx
Contact @hortonberner for any distribution inquiries!
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