WINTER SNEAK PEAK for Banana Repbulic & Gap >>

2009  FASHION WINTER SNEAK PEAK -
(Banana Republic, Gap & Old Navy)

The coming HOLIDAY SEASON this year at Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic will be clothing centered around cozy, indoor activities; intimate, casual at-home parties and a focus on eye-catching, but affordable gifts. At a preview for the three Gap Inc. brands on Thursday, July 16, simple winter basics – from cheerful flannel pajamas at Old Navy, to lumberjack plaid shirts and jackets at Gap and a touch of holiday party bling at Banana Republic – will be the main story at the stores come fall, when their holiday-themed products hit shelves. 



Color 

Old Navy’s holiday offerings emphasized bright, neon flannel, cozy moccasin slippers with Scandinavian-style knit patterns and thick rainbow-hued socks. AND IF I CATCH ANY OF YOU WEARING THESE!!!.......IM GONNA CALL THE POLICE ON YOU!.......CAN WE SAY OMG! Its TIME to put the kids TO BED!!.... For a casual yet dressy look, there were loose tent dresses or denim peasant dresses OK IDK WHO WANTS TO LOOK LIKE A TENT.......UM RAISE YOUR HAND!!  with embroidered bibs. 



Comfort 


This collection was not so horrible so PAY ATTENTION!......Gap collections for men, women and children all stayed true to that fall and winter staple of recent seasons, plaid. Flannel shirts were layered with chunky wool sweaters and scarves and winter white denim provided a counterpoint to the usual dark denim fare. Glam fleece-lined fabric covered platform boots looked well-suited to a dry disco floor, but probably wouldn’t be sufficient for tromping around the snowy sidewalks of Aspen. 



Cool 

On the highest end of the Gap Inc. spectrum, Banana Republic riffed off DOWNTOWN CHIC ACCESSORIES - most retailing for UNDER $100 - like multi-strand chain necklaces, quilted fabric bib and ribbon tie necklaces, popularized in recent seasons by designers like Subversive Jewelry, Lanvin and Vera Wang. Everyday classics like cashmere sweaters could be dressed up with the OVERSIZED crystal embellishments that adorned clutch bags and ballet flats. Basic military coats were juxtaposed with statement tops in pleated or ruffled silk or with collars made from folded ribbons of felt.

                      (Check out the necklace.......LADIES)

(Pictured is a display from the Banana Republic Holiday collection in NY)

THE PERFECT SUIT (Male fashion trends for 2009-2010)

Mens FASHION TRENDS are few and far between; yes a lot of women's trends are eventually adapted to the men's market (SORRY GUYS) but if 2009 male trends will prove anything it is that CLASSICS will always rule when it comes to MENS FASHION.

      
Suite Trends for the Fall of 2009 - 2010


While suiting and formal-wear trends for men aren't seasonal and play out over several years, 2009 shall mark a distinct change in the direction of men's suiting. It comes down to a combination of factors but the likes of the ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, the end of the 'MANOREXIC' era, and women's 1920's and 30's revival will all play a big part. But make no mistake: it's the first and last that will be the biggest influence, as well-groomed men look for investment fashion pieces and turn to the classics for inspiration.

So what elements should you look for?

The Cut

Just because there's a move away from the 'skinny boy' suit isn't to say that the slim look is also out. Suits which seem like they barely leave you room to breath mightn't be the look going forwards but as we return to classic suiting let's not forget that the most classic suit is the English one, and that the best English suits have always had a slim, military cut to them.

Consider suits in 2009, 2010 and beyond the perfect fusion between classic tailoring, classic looks, and the modern masculine silhouette;

• broad shoulders
• a slim waist
• slim trousers

Double Breasted Suits

If there's one thing I'm excited about buying in 2009 it's a modern, double-breasted suit. I only have one amongst my suit collection, and it's a Tom Ford for Gucci piece. It's adorable, but only because of the tailoring work done on it last year that took it from an American box-cut to a slim piece of perfection. And that slim cut is precisely what you should be looking for in a double-breasted suit in 2009. BROAD-SHOULDERED with a SLIM WAIST,                                                                                                                   2009's double-breasted suits trump most that current generations will be familiar with; they're no longer about hiding a plump figure but are now tailored to highlight the perfect masculine shape: the V-shaped, well worked body.


When selecting a double-breasted suit look for the "Kent" cut, named after a style popularised by the The Prince George, Duke of Kent, where a longer lapel line extends into the waist. This will convey height and, if cut correctly, a slimmer waist.

Classic Patterns in 2009


If we're returning to the classics with DOUBLE-BREASTED and THREE PIECE SUITES in 2009, then it stands to reason that we're also returning to CLASSIC CLOTH PATTERNS. Moreover, the coupling of the classics with the current men's fashion revitalisation means this is the perfect time to reintroduce patterns into your wardrobe (if you haven't done so already). 


The following are classic suit patterns perfect for 2009 and beyond.

Houndstooth

Herringbone

Glenurquhart / Prince of Wales check

Pinstripe

Rope-stripe

Those feeling even BOLDER may lean towards a CHALK-STRIPE, though it has an early naughties feel to it and I'm not yet sure whether we'll be working it in the early parts of the next decade.