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Fashion Observed


Trend observations with a sociological eye from afar...

by Darryl S. Warren  

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Dry Ideas

Fashion has done a marvelous job of translating our focus into representational terms to convey what is on the minds of society. Our global interconnectivity has transformed the diversity to realize a broader more generalized statement that has resulted in more homogeneity amongst clothing for nations across the globe; one look at what is considered daywear can pretty much attest to that. What was called western attire is now a global mainstay. Trends that were more localized still exist but in subtler forms while predominant trends wash across marketplaces in speeds never before thought possible. 

Of course there are moods that are more localized and there will always be culture differences that frame expression of trends to cater to the uniqueness that such differences present. Despite globalization, that uniqueness cannot be erased. What does occur from time to time is when larger ideas take hold and influence fashion with more intensity.

The resurgence of the 90s with its minimalism, return to utilitarian investment basics and abandonment of conspicuous economic expression is found more popular because it suits the mood that is predominant just as it was twenty years ago: negative economic circumstances made a tremendous impact on the psyches of the majority of the public.

With collections for Spring/Summer 2013 soon approaching next month, one has to wonder what will be considered within the minds of designers. For sure, Slavic & Latin flavor and the arts will continue with us as events in the future will make their impact. Should civil unrest and disenchantment rise the 70s will also find a familiar home in our decade. But what about the weather?

In the early to mid-90s, weather broadcasting and reporting started to become a topic of the day as wilder weather patterns started to become more obvious, for example tornado warnings and sightings in Manhattan, a place that really doesn’t see this kind of weather at all. The growing sophistication of technology and presentation of this subject in media caught attentions of many. It was fascinating to have better coverage we now take for granted such as Doppler Radar and precipitation maps in real time. It was strange that we got obsessed with the most mundane of conversation topics: talking about the weather but the fact is that we did.

But it did impact fashion, with weather-inspired prints and even some designers either finding its influence in fashion presentation (McQueen’s summer lightning storm runway show) or design technique (Versace’s twisted ballgowns). For some reason the weather had our attention. We noticed it because its impact had changes and our technology was covering it better . We heard more, and across the world people were noticing anomalies.

This year is certain to be similar in that regard. Real-time instant reporting and the proliferation of social media has made anyone with a smart phone or web camera a reporter of sorts, and they are seeing things that are definitely not part of normal weather patterns. In particular, the extreme heat and proliferation of drought in places like the USA is something that cannot be ignored. The question for those looking at the creative aspect of the industry is whether the weather will again find its way into the dialogue of the designer. If we are repeating the 90s there will be some that will reference this just as we did then. But like the weather, we won’t know until that day arrives; we’ll have to wait until September to find out.

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