pre-fall 2010 trends: pt III

minimalism is probably my favourite trend. it is simple, streamlined and it isn't fussy or embellished. designers like alexander wang and stella mccartney embrace this trend and work it to reflect their style well.

1- calvin klein 2- devi kroell 3- alexander wang 4- stella mccartney

photos via style.com

pre-fall 2010 trends: pt II

how appropriate; i just finished writing a history of costume essay and now i'm making a post about toga-inspired dress.

draping is an easy way to add interest to a solid coloured garment without having to add any sort of graphic detail or ornamentation and without being overly distracting. it adds a feminine touch to a basic garment and can hide or accentuate parts of the body. designers are all over this trend for fall!

so, when you're out looking for a new LBD for the fall (jonathan, that one's for you), i suggest looking for a dress with draping detailing. or just throw a toga party. not.

1- carolina herrera 2- diane von furstenberg 3- calvin klein 4- devi kroell

photos via style.com

pre-fall 2010 trends: pt I

the belted waistline can be seen everywhere in designers' pre-fall 2010 collections. this trend is nothing new, but what i find interesting about it this time around is that it's being seen over jackets, vests, and simple t-shirts. this trend overlaps with others that i've noticed, such as military and 1940s inspired dress. i'm not a huge fan, personally, of throwing on a belt in an impractical way, but this might change this fall.

ps: i know it's not even spring yet, but i just love fall fashions. so deal!

1- lanvin 2-michael kors 3- burberry prorsum 4- celine

photos via style.com

construct to deconstruct

if you didn't see the shredded tee first on style blogs like lookbook a few years back, then you surely noticed when the trend trickled up and designers like raquel allegra based her debut collection on it last spring.

raquel allegra s/s09

the shredded tee is to the torso as ripped jeans are to the legs, only more impractical. so, what's the appeal? i went to fiona green, assistant fashion editor of FLARE magazine for her expertise.

"people are always looking for the next spin on the ultimate classic wardrobe staple: the t-shirt," green says. "[this trend's] popularity has been amplified because people are able to achieve this look as a DIY."

thomas s/s10

the growing success of a toronto-born clothing line, thomas, is thanks to the shredding technique that co-founders drew and mikey thomas based their debut fall 2009 collection on. but with shirts starting at $120, how can one justify purchasing these delicate garments at such high price-points?

"people with money would rather pay for it than [shred the shirts] themselves," says drew thomas. "it's in fashion, while still holding a designer label."

it all comes down to one question: should we be investing in this trend?

"i wouldn't recommend investing now in a shredded tee with a high price-point. it's an easy DIY if you want to participate in this look," green says.

while it's important to invest your money in versatile wardrobe staples, it's still as important to have fun with the latest trends. so take a trip to chinatown, get in on the six-for-ten t-shirt deals strewn about the spadina sidewalks, and get shredding!