Fashion Group International of Los Angeles Presents "Trends for Spring/Summer 2001"

Wonder what you’ll be wearing for spring and summer next year? FIDM grads (and hot fashion designers) David Cardona and Estevan Ramos, along with Shelli Segal (designer of the clothing line "Laundry" by Shelli Segal) and Sandy Richman (president of Directive West) recently voiced their thoughts on "Trends for Spring/Summer 2001" in a panel discussion. The event was hosted by Fashion Group International, a global non-profit association of over 6,000 professionals representing all areas of the fashion, apparel, accessories, beauty, and home industries. After drinks and refreshments, the audience settled in for a fashion show (via slides and commentary) by Los Angeles Times fashion writer Michael Quintanilla culled straight from the runways of Milan, Paris, and New York where Quintanilla had just finished reviewing all the top designer’s shows. The panel was moderated by William Kissel, Fashion Editor of the definitive publication of luxury and living well, the Robb Report.

The panelists pointed to all things vintage (clothes, shoes, accessories, home furnishings) as a huge current and future fashion trend. In fact, cutting-edge retailers like Barneys New York and Bergdorf Goodman were mentioned as having or planning vintage boutiques for their stores. But to most in the fashion industry, vintage and thrift shop duds are seen as a big threat to business, as women recycle found items instead of buying newly manufactured clothes.

Estevan Ramos offered some great insight into the fashion business. He reminded the audience that fashion watchers often overlook an important fact: that much of what’s sent down the runway by the most creative designers is known as "editorial" or fine art and isn't meant to function as wearable clothing at all. In fact, pointed out Ramos, the avant-garde creations of designers like John Galliano aren't meant to be bought or worn by the public. The publicity Galliano generates for the Dior label is what sells Dior’s real moneymakers: their perfumes and accessories.

Sheer clothing is a good example. This year, the runways were full of models that dared to bare it all in sheer chiffon for catwalk drama. But panelist/designer David Cardona made a point of mentioning that he always provides his customers with a specific non-sheer garment meant to be worn under his sheerer creations. He recognizes that real-world women are not about to traipse down the street or to an important social function in a see-through blouse or dress!

	FIDM alums David Cardona (above) and Estevan Ramos.

Sandy Richman compounded the weight of Ramos’ remarks by observing that predicting trends is a very inexact science. She recounted how fashion industry predictors had decided that the twinset was over, that 2000/2001 was going to be "The Year of the Blouse," and that "The Jacket would be big, big, big!" Well, it appears that women just aren’t tired of their twinsets, and blouses and jackets are languishing on department store racks. So much for industry predictions!

A similar thing has occurred with the "Rockstar Look." Predictors declared it dead, but contrary to what was expected, said Richman, women don’t want to give up this look that’s fairly easy-to-wear and makes them feel sexy and edgy. What this means to fashion on a broader level is: if you still like it, keep wearing it — chances are, you’re not the only one who’ll be hanging on to a great trend!