Trends: Fall 2006
by Asanti Austin

Trends here in the United States often can be refereed to as “followings” rather than trends.  In essence, what is a trend without a following? The skinny pant has finally taken hold here, and the unanimous allegiance by multiple designers shown throughout their collections confirms this notion. Marc Jacobs elegantly showed his version with leggings or underneath sweaters and coats.  Lagerfield followed in suite, lacking only the layering effect.

Largely absent from this scene this season were the varieties of clutches and power bags we have become accustomed to. What's a girl to do? She can seek relief in Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors or Kenneth

Cole because they still carried out her heart's desires.  Marc Jacobs showed the large over-sized bags we a have seen in seasons past, while
Michael Kors showed mostly a smaller version. If the bag craving cannot be quenched here, the other accessories this season will baffle even the most avid collector.

The ever popular skinny-heeled stilettos took a back seat to their bulkier counterparts, as boots and flats gained ground. As with seasons past, espadrilles are still cruising comfortably in the driver seat.

Stockings, leggings and a variety of socks were displayed as Custo gave his seductress a variety of knee-highs to entice her victims.  Marc, never one to disappoint, probably showed more accessories than any other face to appear on the runway: leggings and leg warmers, shawls and hats.

Hats, hats, hats. From Kors to Marc to Yohji's Y-3 collection, the matron’s hat rack should become and endless display of wonder.  With options ranging from Marc Jacobs knit wear versions, or Custo's small brimmed fedoras, or Wunderkind’s shearling versions, there is surely something to keep a head warm and stylish.

It could not be more evident this season that the once overt sexiness of the 90's is dying. The designers are allowing their women to embrace masculinity and remain elegant, confident and chic.

Many of the designers alluded to pre-war Europe, while others took cues from the sexy pop bands of the 80's. With these references in mind, dark colors, long silhouettes and men's wear suitings bombarded the runways this season.  The military style jackets were shown across the runways as well.

Sequins are always a hit, and Oscar and Yei & Kei, dazzled us with their expressions. Tulle, lace, jersey and chiffon are equally as elegant and showed up in multiple collections.

The fashion powers that be need to take notice of the fresh crop of emerging talent that is raising New York's fashion quotient. Thakoon,
Brian Reyes and Jason Wu gave promise to a future that is much needed at these times. In a season dominated by dark and somber moods, in many ways echoing our political times, many designers found passionate ways of expressing optimism. Because a dark gloomy feeling bombarded us, at times the colors seemed out of place. At the same time, it was quite refreshing to see a deviation from the norm this season.