Trend Spotting

Here are some websites that keep tabs on current fashion + design developments. Lists of this sort can be energizing if knowing the trends quickens your pulse.

I, of course, am a big fan of Coco Chanel's saying, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same.” And I believe that I need to design beyond the trends. But, "all the world's a stage..." and it is fun to stay au courant.

Here's a list of some of my favorite places on the web to check in on new directions...

Fashionising.com
Fashion Trends 2009

JustLuxe.com
Spring Color for 2009

Fashion Trendsetter.com
Seasonal Fashion Trends, Color Trends (including Pantone color references,) Events

Design Sponge
Mini Trends in Housewares

Vogue
For runway videos, articles on trends, fashion culture

Crit
A blog from the School of Visual Arts

Design Observer
Writings on Design and Culture from some incredible minds

Boing Boing: A Directory of Wonderful Things
Obscure and fascinating facts that may end up influencing pop culture, which of course, influences art, fashion + design.

Basenotes
A Guide to what's new in fragrance.


Here's my quick rundown on the fashion trends for Spring '09:

See-Through Fabrics
Continued Layering
Continued use of Gradient Fabrics
Appliques, pearls and beads attached to fabrics
Imperfect Fabrics (referencing all things "green.")

Neutrals mixed with Brights (especially yellow)
Black and White
Seaside Colors (that remind me of seeing color through ocean mist.)
Mauve (believe it or not...though it is looking rather like raspberry. But those of us who lived through the 80's know...)

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses (+ other expressions of asymmetry)
Grecian Dresses + the Ultra Feminine
Longer, unstructured jackets (but not sloppy)
Short jackets
Jeans
Harem Pants (believe it or not.)

Statement Jewelry
Fringe, on jewelry and clothing.
Pink will play a role, as will black and white accessories

Do you have any additions to this list? Love to hear about it in a comment.