Thursday, August 5, 2010

The sign of the times

By Joyce Oreña 

Straightforward and realistic — that describes both next season’s fashion and President Aquino’s first State of the Nation Address. “Our administration is facing a forked road. In one direction, decisions are made to protect the welfare of our people; to look after the interest of the majority; to have a firm grip on principles; and to be faithful to the public servant’s sworn oath to serve the country honestly. This is the straight path,” goes President Aquino’s opening line.

Fashion, too, gets a reality check. Fashion is back to creating clothes we can relate to. Designers are listening to their consumers now more than ever. The season is all about who wears the clothes. Fashion is focusing on design, cut and fabric. The season’s fashion statement is the power of design — well-made clothes for all ages. Right now, there is a vast democracy of fashion choices — and designs that are relevant beyond trends. Let me repeat a statement I wrote in one of my past articles and which continues to be apropos: remember that a successful design combines style and substance at a smart price.

It’s the time for designers to stay true and authentic. No more gimmickry just to sell clothes or land in the magazine covers and pages. The season is about classic yet modern designs. It embraces what a woman is all about — what a real woman would want to wear. The fashion collections feature feminine basics that are updated and inventive. Understated and sensible designs rule the runways. Take notes on the season’s latest trends and work on the looks you would want to wear later. It seems that a number of decades make a comeback in the forms of ladylike elegance of the nineties, full skirts and cinched waists of the ‘50s, the ‘60s shifts and bellbottoms and the ‘70s sensual styles. Countryside plaids and tweeds get urbanized. New cuts update the rustic fabrics. Knits go back to the familiar — the comforts of home. Sweaters are cozy and relaxed yet sophisticated. Skirts go long but focus on a pared-down look. Easy sweaters are the perfect pair to achieve this effortless style. Schoolgirl references grow up. The youthful takes are polished for the modern woman. Trousers get real in forms that flatter and lengthen the leg. Velvet is the fabric of the moment. There is so much to look forward to. Impeccably tailored clothes that are wearable and up-to-date define the season’s style.

Be smart. Invest wisely and buy less. Build a sustainable wardrobe of basics. For those smarter ones who have already started, now is the time to look at what will best complement your pieces. Reinforce your keen fashion follower instinct. Know which ones are keepers. Distinguish pieces that will go beyond fashion inclinations. Several summer trends are still of-the-moment. Take a look at the constant prevalence of the neutral color palette from nude tones to whites, grays and browns. Utilitarian continues to be chic. All-American sportswear is unstoppable. The military influence still dominates. Grown-up and pulled-together looks — dressing like a real woman keeps going strong.

Buy smart. Don’t go crazy just because you think it’s a great deal. Don’t you ever wonder how some brands sell for a steal? The modern woman is also an ethical shopper. Some brands manufacture in countries where they do not respect labor rights, hence, the low-priced articles. Please don’t help them get bigger. Support the brands that are responsible and practice fair trade. Enjoy fashion with a clear conscience.

Now that fashion has given us what we want, there are no more excuses. It’s the moment to stay true to oneself. Dress to your personality. As I always say, true style is more about how you wear it rather than what you wear.

Source: The Philippine Star

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