Even though it seems summer has only just arrived

Tag : Embroidery Satin

While you are thinking only of summer frocks and shorts at thispoint, fashion retailers have turned their attention to autumn.
And this fall there is literally something for everyone.
That's the message from Barbara Atkin, national fashion directorfor Holt Renfrew, who recently visited Calgary to present the newfall trends for womenswear and menswear.
"We are so in a season of contrasts -- not just a season, but adecade of contrasts," she says.
Consider, for instance, the three main colour palettes for fall.
There are the spring-like brights, the vivid pinks and yellows thatwill liven up even the dreariest winter day.
Don't like to stand out? You'll also find plenty of soft neutrals-- pastels and "beige-greys," says Atkin.
And for those who can't imagine a winter wardrobe that isn't dark,you'll find charcoal, purple, crimson, blood red and, of course,our beloved black.
With that range of choice in mind, take a look at Atkin's fallfashion projections, the four main themes she's seeing in storesfor fall-winter 2008/2009:
Dark Fiction: dark, romantic, military and Victorian influences,luxe fabrics such as velvet, fur, satin, lace, and feathers, bowblouses, "neo" leggings, leather, vinyl and patent.
Future Form: Modern, spare, clean, timeless lines; soft neutralcolours, saturated brights and sculpted collars. You'll find capejackets, "power" pumps, tailored three-piece suits and man blazers,jockey caps, chainlink bags, sheath skirts and dresses in sleekfabrics such as wool, neoprene, leather, plastic, felt and knits.
City Tech: Urban, edgy, sport-influenced separates, withutilitarian detailing and street-savvy style. Pieces include thepuffy jacket or "puffa," reefer coats, vests, neo-jodhpurs (anupdated take on the '80s equestrian fashion) in plaids, twill,denim, cotton and high-performance technical fabrics.
Kaleidoscope: Global folk fuses with Pop Art and bohemian twists.Think: embroidery, beading, chiffon paired with leather, layeredbelts, mini dresses, stacks of bangles, strappy sandals, layers ofhippie vests and sweater coats.
"I love that word, kaleidoscope," Atkin says. "It's about lookingat a collection, breaking it apart and putting it back together innew ways."
sboettcher@theherald.canwest.com

© The Calgary Herald 2008