Having a career in the fashion industry {outside of this blog… and yes, I do have a full-time day job}, I have the luxury of always keeping my finger on the industry’s pulse, ears to the ground, and eyes on future season’s prizes. That being said, I feel it only appropriate to forecast the most prominent 2013 US trends in the categories of retail, color, fashion, and home.
Although there is no exact science behind my trend doppelganger, I do take into account the current state of the economy, past retail trends, current events, and insider industry insight to project these trends. Please note I did not consult in any trend services or agencies for this report. All forecasts are my own, based on my own observations.
Furthermore, I am about to embark on a year-end vacation with my family {and promise to take and share lots of pictures here upon my return}, so this will be my last post on ATM for 2012. I hope everyone has a wonderful end to 2012, a safe New Years Eve, and I look forward to seeing you all back here in 2013! Enjoy!
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OVERALL RETAIL: Made In America.
With the economy and employment being two of the hot topics this past presidential election, and the highly-publicized Ralph Lauren scandal of outsourcing the labor and materials to manufacture the US Olympic Uniforms {who could forget quite possibly the largest sartorial faux pas of the past year?}, there has been a blatant shift in business ethnics the past year. Changing the focus from making products for the least amount possible, to sourcing and manufacturing back at home, prices will increase on these consumer goods made the US. But, there is a new way to show patriotism, and in 2013 it will be with our pocketbooks.
Although this concept is not entirely new by any means, numerous brands have taken the initiative to bring production back to the US. Some of these include The Row, American Apparel, Rag & Bone, AG Jeans, J Brand, Band of Outsiders, Clare Vivier, Pendleton, Karen Kane, Eva Franco, Brooks Brothers, New Balance, Crayola, Kitchenaid, Hershey’s, and Zippo lighters. Furthermore, m- and e- commerce {aka mobile and internet shopping} sites such as Etsy have started gaining momentum, where artisans can sell their Made in America products directly from their home or studio. If my radar is at all correct, there will be a lot more ‘shop local’ sites popping up over the next 12 months, benefiting regional artists, entrepreneurs and hopefully our economy.
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COLOR: Neon Nike.
Letsbehonest- as real-time live video streaming becomes more readily available with 3D features and whathaveyou, it keeps getting more and more exciting to watch athletes excel in their fields. Last Summer’s London Olympics were no exception. From Michael Phelps to Serena Williams to Gabby Lewis, every and all athletes were seen in their prime and on their podiums rocking neon Nikes. Knowing that designers usually design 10-12 months out, and fashion buyers typically buy 4-6 months out from each season, I am predicting the neon Nike hue will start regulating store floors as early as this Spring.
The ‘Neon Nike’ color will act as a bold accent color during the Spring/Summer months, taking center stage at music festivals, county fairs, and the like. For Fall/Winter, it will reinvent itself in varied hues, breathing new life into classic fabrics such as tweeds. And of course, above all, will dominate all categories of activewear throughout the entire year. Here are items already on the Market, that will be sure to carry you on trend through the next year:
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FASHION:
1. Interesting Cut Outs.
Clockwise from top left {all Spring 2013}: Alexander Wang > BCBGMaxAzria > Erdem > Balenciaga > Rodarte > 3.1 Philip Lim
Cut-outs have been on the scene almost all of 2012. Beginning with preppy peep-toes, mullet hems, and 90’s grunge-inspired slits (think exposed shoulders and side waist), this trend is flourishing as it evolves, picking up steam. For next year, leather and suede cut out booties and bondage-influenced bodices will be everywhere, as we saw on the Spring 13 runways. Cut outs will redefining themselves, like any substantial time-tested trend does, to make for more novel pieces and keep dressing interesting. Shop the look:
2. Textured Patterns
In 2012 we saw studding, fringe, and embellishment, as well as patterns on a major upswing. Now, for 2013, these trends will continue as they merge together, creating novel textured surfaces out of repeating three-dimensional shapes. Repetitive studding, overlapping lace, and intricate beading will be the forerunners for this trend, lending endless possibilities… and being a texture person, you KNOW how much this excites me. Here are some of my favorite pieces that can be shopped now:
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HOME: Quirky Accents.
While full-home renovations may be desired but not affordable while still in this mess of a recession, quirky little home accents will refresh living spaces while providing a tangible reminder to see the joy in the little things in life. Jonathan Adler has been a trailblazer in this, from his boob lamp to ceramic animals. Kelly Wearsler seems to also be designing more ironic decorative pieces these days, and if my gut is telling me anything, more will be joining… so be forewarned if you walk into a friends house and find yourself drinking out of a vessel that resembles man parts or are handed a phone with ten rotary dials. Don’t be alarmed. Just remember where you heard it first. Just saying. Shop the quirky pieces above: 1. Tiki Tissue Box 2. Gummy Bear Light 3. Kelly Wearstler Ebony Female Sculpture 4. Meow for Measuring Cups 5. Jonathan Adler ‘Giant Dora Maar’ Lamp 6. Jonathan Adler ‘Salvador’ Decorative Vase 7. Kelly Wearstler Bronze Legs 8. Jonathan Adler Smart Phone Dock 9. Jonathan Adler ‘Uncle Sam Hand’ Porcelain Sculpture 10. Easy as Pi Pizza Cutter 11. Jonathan Adler ‘Pipe’ Porcelain Match Strike 12. Lunchroom Service Laptop Sleeve 13. Pour and Shoot Mug 14. White Canvas Reindeer Bust
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All runway/designer images via Style.com. Nike Olympic and Made In America Logo images all via Google Image.
ALL THINGS MAJOR 