New trends- 2008 Spring Trends- Milan & New York Fashion Weeks

Seems like designers really took in mind the beauty of a woman’s figura when putting together their new designs for Spring 2008. Milan Fashion Week 2007 continues and New York ended, as we all know. So many things kept me interested, which surprised me, considering most of the color palette. Neutrals and Black & White were the staples, the “base colors”, at the big player’s shows such as Vera, Calvin, Emporio Armani, Cavalli, Bottega and even D&G.

I think because these garments seem a lot more realistic and appealing for the “average” woman, it really did make it a lot more interesting. Plus, each designer added splashes of color to their neutral bases. D&G added blue and Gucci added yellow to their black & white arrangements and then pink to what seemed like the same black & white arrangements.

You can stop squinting! Those blinding gold and silver metallics have been tamed a bit. These light metallics were seen in blue-grey, white, crème, camel, and subtle gold and were pleasant to my eye. With the exception of Prada, who blinded me and made me a bit dizzy with confusing patterns and ugly plaids, the tone was mellow- dramatic.

Ok, enough about colors! Going back to what interested me about this season’s shows is really how these fashions would appeal beyond the runway shows and their loyal followers. In both New York and Milan, loose layers and form fitted silhouettes were most complimenting and ultra polished. Designers such as Bottega Veneta offered many classic looks with a 40’s- 50’s vibe. Roberto Cavalli stirred much excitement in me with silk/satin long dresses that displayed oversized flowers just at the bottom in vibrant hues. Designers also kept short cocktail dresses sexy with an almost lingerie look but still kept it rich and classy.

Biggest accessories, everywhere to be seen, were belts & hats! Belts seen were big, small, metal, fabric and just about any form and size. Hats were big and floppy and also military and structured. I am sad to once again say that jewelry was minimal at the shows! =( But I am determined to sift and search and bring forth the latest designs very soon! You can view comparable jewelry from the runways of Fall/Winter 2007 though!

Designer Cheat Sheets:
D&G:
-Neutral bases with splashes of blue and camel leather
-Waist-defining belts
-Ruffles on skirts and shirt trimmings

Bottega Veneta:
-Neutrals (beige), heather-grey
-Form fittings & classic silhouettes- 40’s & 50’s inspirations
-Conservative neck lines
-Light camel leather accessories (gloves and bags)
-Fabric matching belts
-Light metallics

Emporio Armani:
-Neutral bases (tan)
-Black & white bases
-Black & white checkerboard patterns
-Light metallics in heather grey, tan and white
-Rich shiny & silky fabrics
-Loose fitting and light layers
-Fitted blazer jackets
-Waist- defining belts
-Metallic pastel pearl or beaded necklaces
-Big black bead necklaces
-Long drop dangling earrings
-Wide metallic leather band bracelets in black and crème

Gucci:
-Black & white bases with splashes of bright yellow
-Black & white bases with splashes of pink
-Short strapless cocktail dresses
-Lots of folding fabric
-Pockets on almost every cocktail dress and gown
-Light colored plaid fabrics
-Waist-defining belts

Roberto Cavalli:
-Neutral bases and grey-blue
-Light neutral metallics
-Ruffles
-Light and flowing layers
-Long silk dresses with oversized floral prints
-Thin gold layered necklaces with small natural stone pendants
-Thin gold bangle bracelets
-Peasant style fabric patterns
-Things most of us would like to forget about from the 70’s & 80’s!!!

Prada:
-Used colors! (plum, dark sage, red)
-Bold fabrics (plaids)
-Thick trimming
-Light layers in rich fabrics
-Light knit “jump suits”
-Strong gold metallics paired with plaid
-Choker necklaces

Stronger than she looks...

I have to say that I was stunned along with many others, I'm sure, when I first saw this photo of a woman by the name of Isabelle Caro. According to thisislondon.co.uk, Caro wanted to show young people how dangerous this illness is.

This is unbelievably brave and I do hope that women and men both young and old, who are probably on the road to this devastating disease or are encountering it in some way, maybe with someone else they know, will look at this as a strong wake-up call.

We know that fashion isn't the only cause for this disease and many people who don't follow fashion or watch the runway shows in Milan have anorexia and other eating disorders. ANYWAY, these billboards got the job done, as far as getting some attention. The campaign was paid for by Flash & Partners, an Italian clothing company and the photographer- Oliviero Toscani.

Learn more about Anorexia: National Eating Disorders Association

Top Trends for Fall that actually "stuck"!

Season after season the great fashion editors of the world bring forth the hidden treasures of fashion week. Big, Big…Secrets!

And usually what we hear or read about or see in Spring for Fall and Fall for Spring adjusts a bit by the time the season to wear it arrives. What celebs do with “it” changes the market, what China does with “it” changes the market and best of all, what we, the public do with "it" MAKES the market.

History has shown we’ve dropped certain trends because they just didn’t work or because they were just too ridiculous! So, I’ve put together some trends for THIS season that have seem to stick and of course, since I am jewelry obsessed, you can click on the links below to view comparable jewelry that’s available and inexpensive!

You can view the whole report by clicking/ copy & pasting this link:

The 2007-08 Fall/Winter Fashion Trend Report


Berry Colors, Winter Whites, opaque tights and Metallics

-Purple Shades of purple, fuchsia and berry reds were seen on almost every runway! These deep hues were accurately balanced out with winter's standard neutrals. Adding this splash of color to part of your outfit or with a piece of jewelry can bring a lost brightness we all seem to misplace with the drop of the thermometer! Gulf Blue or Pink Parfait Earrings

-Alpine & Winter Whites A rich and "clean" staple in winter fashion can certainly be said for winter whites. Designer's added fun alpine twists with penguin knits and sexy accessories to add a needed contrast. Shiney Snake Skin Leather Wrapped Bangles

-Metallics Seems to be a staple in every season, however designer's deepened its tone. Deep metallic silver, bronzy gold and patent blacks were everywhere to be seen. A fabric better to be seen on jackets, footwear, handbags and jewelry. Metallic Leather Wrapped Bangles

Long Gloves, Plaids and Studs

-Gloves One of this season's hottest trends! Gloves, short and long, were seen practically everywhere! Long gloves seem to be perfect for those three-quarter sleeve jackets and coats. Black patent and customary leather seem to be most chosen. We love it when designers actually choose a trend that works for its season! Faceted Black Stone Earrings in Silver

-Plaids Every season has its greatest hit and we think designer's struck gold with this one! They looked past the military cuts and school girl uniforms and transformed plaid into sexy and tough urban wear. Black Chain Bangle

-Studs Studs are not only worthy of your footwear and handbags, designers utilized these hot accents on dresses, jewelry and outerwear. Rainbow Tuscany Cocktail Ring in Gold

Cinched Waists, Knits and High-Collar Turtle Necks

-Cinched Waists Last season bubble skirts were corrected with wide waist-band belts. This year waist cinchers are applied over more flattering cuts. Show off your curves with this great look!

Pink and Gold Graduating Hoops

-Knits Designers showcased an array of heavy and bold knits. We opted to show you these! Knit sweater dresses are great for both day and evening wear. Dress them up with glitzy jewels, silky stockings or your favorite party stilettos! Knit scarves were also hugely publicized in neutrals and deep jewel tones. Black in Gold Hoop Earrings

-High Collars & Turtlenecks Designers jazzed up ordinary turtlenecks with bold gold necklaces. Rich jewel tones and strong shades in black, bronze and silver grey. Seems the higher and thicker the better, at least we'll all stay warm and still look great! Candy Colored Leather Wrapped Bangles

Coming Soon!

Portia Jewelry is expanding its take on celebrity fashion & designer fashion news! This new blog is being created in response to all the positive feedback we've received from PortiaJewelry.com's Seasonal Fashion Reports & it's Celebrity Picks section. We truly hope our customers and passing visitors will contribute, comment, yell, scream and praise with us!

Not only will we post the latest trends in both Hollywood and the runways, but we will also make sure that Portia's Blog contains useful information! So make sure to add this blog to your favorites because Portia will be bloggin' soon!

Just a hint of what's to come...

• Keeping up with trends
• Ways to look great on the tightest of budgets
• Jewelry information (caring for your sterling silver & costume pieces)
• Hints & Tips on everything fashion related
• Updates on PortiaJewelry.com (Sales, Promotions & New Arrivals)

Want to be an author?! Contribute to this blog! Email isabel@portiajewelry.com