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SPRING FASHIONS EMPHASIZE FUN
By Jasmine Caccamo
White isn’t just for after Memorial Day.
This season white is the new color and designers are offering their consumers with popular styles and high spirits. Many feel that this is perhaps the most delightful clothing line to come down the runway in a long time.
Pamela Fiori, editor and chief of Town & Country magazine feels that this is a hopeful season for new spring fashions.
“People are wanting things to be beautiful, fresh, and feminine,” said Fiori, adding, “It often happens in a down economy, and when people have lots of distractions they look for something to lift their spirits, and fashion certainly does that.”
This year’s spring clothing lines are upbeat and wide ranged. An abundant amount of diverse styles of white and pinks are appearing on the runway. There are spin off’s of peasant looks from seasons of the past, ranging from exotic crochet and embroidery with a Moroccan flare, to garden prints and abstract patterns. Also, military detailing such as the all American cargo flares, denim and novelty jeans that include vintage stitching and patches are making an appearance.
These styles are not just for the runway; designers have also put out a new different kind of spring line for the sophisticated worker.
Designers promote slick and sleek suits that are fitting to the body, along with knee-length skirts and jackets that are shrunken, cropped and fitted. These are considered elegant and flattering according to Tom Julian, Manhattan trend analyst.
“Spring is a season of soothing colors and fabrics.” Julian stated. “It offers consumers a way to escape the economic doldrums. The fashion world is not about basic and boring in 2003, it is all about feeling good, looking good, and being comfortable and elegant all at the same time.”
According to elite designers and retailers, white is the “right stuff.” Replacing the typical and basic black trousers is white, and promoters swear that anyone can wear them. As for color, it is pink that is moving consumers straight to the cash register this year.
This hype for color was clearly illustrated in January when Banana Republic put a pink coat on the selling floor, and almost sold out immediately.
Deborah Lloyd, head manager at Banana Republic in Manhattan, claimed that she had no idea that the coat would be such a best seller.
“People are desperate for color. Who would think that our best seller would be a coat that consumers couldn’t even wear at the time,” said Lloyd adding, “People were dying for something that looked so fresh and clean.”
“It has a hip-lady feel with a 50’s influence,” said Lloyd giving her overall take on the new spring fashion line.
In early February, Eluxury.com was experiencing record sales of white fashion merchandise, from handbags to shoes.
Mary Jimenez, vice president of merchandising at Eluxury.com, says that white is the fashion statement of spring.
“You definitely don’t have to wait until Memorial Day to wear them,” said Jimenez. “You need to update your wardrobe with a great handbag for example. If you are wearing a great bag, people presume that everything else you are wearing is great too.”
Julia Miles-Stein, fashion-merchandising professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan agrees with Jimenez on the upcoming styles.
“I feel good reason for people wanting to buy clothing this season, rather than going through the same recycled styles over and over again.” Miles-Stein said, adding, “It’s good to have diversity in your closet, rather then sticking to the same old tired styles.”
Designer Nicole Miller’s collection features feminine dresses in just three colors this season. These colors include black, ivory, and blush along with only one print, which are cherries. These dresses are described as pretty, wearable dresses that descend back to the 1920’s.
Stephanie Cuomo, spokeswoman for Nicole Miller, says that Miller’s purpose of designing her line this season was to make everyone look happy and fun.
“The idea was for woman to feel free and strong and reflective of happier times,” Cuomo said.
The new line of clothing for the spring is all about representing fun, happiness and excitement.