Fashion predictions and predicaments
Although most people think studying abroad is all about the partying and traveling, that is not totally quite true. There is some work involved as well. Luckily for me, this work involves clothing.
I have an internship at a fashion public relations firm and have the opportunity to meet all kinds people who have now become my new styles crushes. From a photography exhibition last week to a press day this week, my job has exposed me to all that is up and coming in European fashion, which means it should be hitting U.S. runways in about a year.
And though we Americans are historically slow to catch up to European fashion kings and queens, if you did want to be ahead of the curve, I’m going to give you a little peek at what will likely be in your closet this time next year.
For women, the cuts are simple and colors come in blocks. That means it’s going to be all about the accessories. With clothing becoming more simplistic and classic, your extra touches are going to be where your personality shines through. I saw more hats, statement necklaces, blinging cocktail rings and chunky shoes in the past two weeks than I would see in an entire semester at MU. For the more adventurous, change up your look by adding a pair of brainy tortoise shell glasses, whether you need the prescription or not.
For men, the manly man look it back at last. Although models and European men have embraced the fitted, cut skinny tie side of men’s fashion for the past few years, there seems to be a change in the winds lately. Even sports apparel is back -- I saw a vintage Chicago Bulls starter jacket at a press day. But all in all, plaids are all right again, boots have made a comeback and the man-scarf trend seems to be on the downhill slope.
For both, fashion with a cause will hopefully pick up a following in the states. In the U.K., the latest cause is based around “Remembrance Sunday,” which was Nov. 14, and is for members of the armed services who were injured in battle and now have prosthetic limbs. Called “The Poppy Appeal,” Londoners have been sporting poppy pins for weeks now. Some jewelry designers have even made high fashion versions as well. I hope this trend of using fashion for a good cause makes its way across the pond, but I will just have to wait and see.
Who knows how many of these trends will be seen out and about in Columbia in a month or a year? That’s the thing about predictions: you never can be sure if they’ll turn out right or not.
