Spring '09 Trend Report

When Barbara Atkin set out to bring the latest spring trends from around the world back to Canada she was looking for items her consumers could get excited about.

As Holt Renfrew's Vice President of Fashion Direction, Atkin travels to such international destinations as New York, Milan and Paris to stay ahead of the fashion curve. She says in the age of a fluctuating economy, people aren’t going to spend money on something they already have.

“There’s more reason to be getting newness, to be getting things that are exciting, that have big, emotional appeal to the consumer so when they walk into a store they go, ‘Wow, I want to have it,’” says Atkin.

As well as her fashion travels, Atkin also watches the runways, goes to showrooms and relies on her inherent sixth sense to get an idea of what the strengths of the seasons are going to be. But she says it’s not about “adapting” these international trends to the Canadian market.

“We believe that the fashion consumer who lives in Toronto and any of the key urban centres of Canada wants to be as fashionable as any of the international cities around the world,” says Atkin.

Atkin says some key trends for Spring 2009 will include the oversized boyfriend jacket paired over a minidress with ankle booties. Strong shoulders are also back in a big way but those who just can’t bear to go back to shoulder pads can opt for more tailored jackets.

“If we get a little more minimalist we’re going to see clean silhouettes … wrapping and folding and origami treatments and simple boyfriend jackets. But if we’re going into more of a Bohemian feeling you’re going to see romantic ruffles, you still will see the return of beautiful prints,” she says.

SPRING’S 10 TREND TOPPERS

A FRESH PALETTE

Fall’s rich hues will be replaced with an ethereal colour palette, says Atkin. “You’re taking a look at those crystallized pale colours of cream and soft dove grey and nude colours and it really allows a new silhouette to come out of that.”

STRONG SHOULDERS

Your boyfriend’s back and he’s giving you his jacket. The oversized jacket will be a key fashion piece that can be worn as an easy topper over little dresses or shorts. Some jackets will feature shoulder pads, while others will be tailored with fullness to have a more rounded look. “Instead of having skimpy tight fitting jackets we’re now going to have roomier jackets. It’s very much an ‘80s silhouette.”

MINI DELIVERS MAXIMUM IMPACT

Minidresses and miniskirts will continue to make things really fun. “I love the juxtaposition of a little feminine minidress, perhaps with ruffles, or a waist emphasis, with this big boyfriend jacket thrown over it,” says Atkin.

JUMP IT OUT

Spring 2009 will be a big moment for jumpsuits, whether it is full-length to the ankle or cropped to the knee. Atkin says this trend can range from casual jumpsuits in washed silks and cottons to formal wear

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

Atkin says the pajama pant will be popular for spring as well as a new utility pant that is much more cone-shaped, almost like a jodhpur, but fuller through the thigh and narrow below the knee. “It’s a very cool kind of pant for a cool girl and I love it with little ankle booties,” says Atkin.

THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR FASHION

Speaking of ankle boots, they will be showing up everywhere. The boot of the moment is a summer-like style with cutouts and cone heels. Some will have an open toe, which means you can start wearing them right away and straight through the summer, says Atkin.

SKIRTING THE ISSUE

For those who don’t want to do a miniskirt, full dance skirts to the knee are also very popular for Spring ’09. “I think the importance of these skirts is that the waist is really accented so belts will become a really important item,” she says.

ORIGAMI AND SEQUINS

Atkin says wrapping and origami-like folding is showing up in many designs, such as a simple sheath dress with pleating to the body. Also watch for sequins to be making a comeback.

THE RETURN OF PRINTS

The return of beautiful prints continues to be strong, says Atkin, with everything from animal and reptile prints to polka-dots. Digitalized florals will also be present. “They’re very pretty and romantic,” she says.

PEEK-A-BOO

Insets of transparent fabrics or lace, layers of chiffon and cutouts around the rib cage will all contribute to the peek-a-boo look for spring. “We’re going to see a lot of this kind of peek-a-boo with lace and chiffon,” says Atkin.

By Sheri Block, CTV.ca