FIENDTHURSDAY: ROCKER CHIC GOES GLAM

GLAMAZONIA 2010

The 80s over-studded, leather-covered aesthetic of the rocker trend we've seen in recent seasons has shifted in favor of a 70s Glam Rock approach for Fall 2010. Signatures of the trend are top hats, vintage blazers, exotic scarves, and sheer metallics in brooding hue tones.


PHOTO CREDITS: Alice and Olivia, Alexander McQueen, Balmain, and John Galliano from style.com.

FIENDTHURSDAY: NEWHOTNOW

NEWHOTNOW:
Elise Overland

Elise Overland's debut runway collection serves as a bridge between seasons. Overland, who made her name designing for rockers, juxtaposes the haughty toughness of her leather creations with softer nude hues.

The result is a striking aesthetic of demure coquetry that is right on trend with the utilitarian vibe of the Spring 2010 season, while staying rooted in the 80's party-scene appeal of past seasons. The 80's haven't completely left us. Fall 2010 will see a revisitation of certain 80's staples, but the trick is to know when and how much is just right.

Overland's runway debut is a brilliant segue between the two sensibilities.


PHOTO CREDITS: Elise Overland from style.com.

FIENDFRIDAY: THE FUTURE OF FASHION?

DECADES OF INSPIRATION

As we approach the start of the decade's final year, the future of fashion is up in the air. True, there a trends that can be forecasted, since we can already see what designers are going to dress us in next Fall, but how will the 2000s be remembered and what will the 2010s look like?

The fashion cycle accelerated at a fierce pace in the 20th century that was unprecedented, thanks to the Industrial Revolution, which brought the ability to mass produce garments. Where before a single silhouette or style could be in vogue for several decades or even hundreds of years, suddenly each decade brought with it new styles and innovations that would cast out what came before.

While fashion is essentially about change and looking forward, somehow we would find ourselves looking back to take inspiration from the past into the here and now. In the 90s we abhorred the 80s, celebrated minimalism, and somehow found ourselves back in a relaxed 70s aesthetic of plaids and wide leg pants, for which I blame Old Navy.

Now that we're nearing the end of the 00s, looking back it seems the 80s has left its stamp on fashion. The decade that was once thought best forgotten by those who lived through it was ushered back in by their children: first in the guise of music, then by the appearance of the skinny jean, which bubbled over into the resurgence of Members Only-inspired jackets and studs.

It seems the past couple decades we've simply skipped the decade that came directly before and mined the one before that for inspiration. The 90s looked back on the 70s, and the 00s yearned for the 80s.

Does this mean we're poised for a 90s renaissance? Fashion editors have already seen the 70s creeping back, which, frankly, is just a step away from a free fall of 90s mania.

How do you like them apples?

PHOTO CREDIT: Alexander Wang Spring 2010 from style.com.