Fall 2008 Bag Trends

From Lucky Magazine
Here is what Lucky predicts to be the predominating styles for handbags for the fall:

These bags are all about the combination of style with function. They range in price from a couple hundred to a couple thousad dollars.

1986 Trends cont.

Again we have shoulder pads in all three of these pictures. Shoulder pads were HUGE in 1986 (due to the fact that with more woman in the workplace due two incomes being necessary, woman wanted to be seen as equal to men). The Anne Klein ad shows us an oversized clutch which became very popular in 2007. There is a current Ferragamo ad with a very similar oversized clutch to this, except it is white with a corner folded over revealing a different color snakeskin.

1986 Trends cont.

Here are more pictures from 1986 Vogue. All 3 women are wearing shoulder pads in their three different coats, this is one trend here. Another is wide belts. The first woman in the black with the pinstripe pants is wearing a black one, the woman in the Escada ad is wearing a large orange one, and while the woman wearing the DKNY red evening coat doesn't have a belt, the dress is high waisted. Also notice that all of these women are wearing short gloves. 1986 was all about accessories as shown in the first two pictures. Each woman is wearing very large plastic earrings, gloves, a belt, and the first woman in black has some sort of cuff on her left wrist. Throughout the magazine I saw tons of bangle stacking, which has been a trend that has been popular in various time periods such as the 1970's, and even as recent as 2006.

1986 Trends

These photos were taken from January, March, April, November and December issues of Vogue in 1986. Here are 4 different shoe ads. The first picture is a low pump with red and white color blocking made by Gucci. The second is a snakeskin pump by Valentino, the third are various pairs of really bright snakeskin pumps and lastly we have a pair of teal suede flats. The trends here are quite obvious; lots of color, animal prints, and high-heeled shoes (although flats were wildly popular as well).

1986, Trend of Excess

Leo, Peter. "Fashion Trend Full of Holes." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: 11. Jun. 1986.

This editorial concerning an upcoming trend of not only worn jeans, but worn-out jeans highlights some interesting and varying thoughts on the current state of fashion in 1986. The opinion of the editor is clearly that paying extra for holes in designer jeans is outrageous and unpractical. This is also a trend highlighting clear excesses, as the holes are made by breaking down the fibers that make-up the textile used in creating these jeans, wearing them out much faster than normal. I believe this trend is a clear example of the excesses and prosperity of the 1980s.

You can read the original article here.

1986, Ralph Lauren Cover of Time Magazine

Koepp, Stephen. "Selling a Dream of Elegance and the Good Life." Time Magazine: 1. Sept. 1986.






Designed for a person who appreciates the finer things in life, and is newly able to afford a = luxury items, Ralph Lauren's designs and strong marketing of his brand name lines spoke to a consumer who aspired to a luxury lifestyle. Lauren himself was raised from humble beginnings in the Bronx, although always looking to the luxuries of life including, "hand-tailored clothes, manor houses, sports cars, fine horses and manicured lawns." Those now buying his products are typically professionals who earn enough to afford a taste of the luxury lifestyle, and are intrigued by Lauren's marketing approach, which fills a desire of the consumers to have a piece of luxury for themselves, although they may not actually be from old money. Lauren also profits from the increasing popularity of sportswear, as clothing becomes more functional, comfortable and practical, adapting to the changing lifestyles of Americans.


This article puts Ralph Lauren's newly-found success in context of the larger fashion scene in America during 1986, and at this time, Liz Claiborne was the most profitable designer, selling primarily to professional women at mid-level price points. Understanding the most profitable designer underscores the target market that is creating the most demand for product. As found in earlier research, I believe this shows a fundamental shift in American culture and lifestyle, as women in 1986 are increasingly working outside of the home in successful careers of their own, for which they require professional attire. They are also now making their won money, with which they can afford to invest in their wardrobes.



In a time of exaggerated trends, Ralph Lauren designs appealed to those who appreciate restraint and conformity, as actress Candice Bergen explained, " 'He incorporates the things you've loved for years. I'm basically not one who is comfortable in massive shoulder pads or the trendy things.' "


You can read the original article from Time magazine here.

Most Popular Movies of 1986

From: http://www.imdb.com/Sections/Years/1986/top-grossing



1. Top Gun

2. Crocodile Dundee

3. Platoon

4. The Karate Kid, Part II

5. Back to School

6. The Golden Child

7. Aliens

8. Ruthless People

9. Ferris Bueller's Day Off

10. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home



Since these were the movies that most people went to see in 1986 they would have had a big impact on popular styles of the time. Keep in mind some of these movies were huge and still hold sway today. These are the movies we should be looking at for style influence, for example Top Gun and especially a film like Ferris Bueller, which shows a popular young man and his friends in clothes that they would be wearing every day.

Spring 09 Accessories

Check out the latest trend report on accessories from Milan at Style.com
It includes:
-a drum shaped wristlet from Bottega Veneta
-a crocodile bag with necklace like shoulder straps from Dolce & Gabbana
-a canvas tote by Emilio Pucci
-a python purse from Fendi
-lilac t-strap sandals by Georgio Armani
-a revamped shoulder bag from Gucci
-some very detailed shoes from Jimmy Choo
-patent leather platform pumps from Marni
-black and white leather printed heels by Sergio Rossi
-a neoprene shoulder bag from Tod's
-a mirror like clutch from Valextra
The site wouldn't let me copy pictures so go check it out. I think this spring 09 trend report can definitely show us where fashion is headed right now. Also this is a really great site for looking at past trends as well as trends that are just around the corner. Something else I would encourage checking out is the fall 08 trend report which claims that belle curves, country life, the long view, minimalist tendency, superhero worship, and winter garden will all be popular styles and themes.

2008 Fall/Winter Colors

According to the Color Marketing Group, these colors will be influenced in items for Fall/Winter of 2008:

Extreme matte and very shiny glossy finishes are also to be seen with the upcoming color trends.

Red based purples, reds mixed with oranges and blues, the original gray and some lighter shades of it. Green has been in use for the last couple of years with help from environmental awareness, so new greens that are mixed more with blue will be appearing. Dark navy blues and greens that are almost black will also be in. Soft light blues will also be seen.

For more details on the colors above for Fall/Winter 2008 Visit the Color Marketing Group.

2008 Moccasin Trend

Minnetonka sales representatives distributed these flyers at the World Shoe Association Show in August 2008 to further emphasize to buyers the current moccasin trend that is seen in the media. Celebrities are wearing moccasins, although I have noticed people wearing moccasins as a trend item for about a year now. It is interesting that young, fashion-forward individuals are taking an item typically worn by older adults for casual comfort and slippers at home and wearing them to achieve an entirely new and different aesthetic. This certainly highlights the innovation of a familiar and non-fashion item to a trend accessory.