Decoding Summer 2009 Trends for the Recessionista

CEBU, Philippines - The harbingers of spring have never had a more fashionable entrance than that of 2009. A mix of revamped and novel trends are being introduced, from the grunge-pop era of the early 90s to evening wear reminiscent of 1920s Vaudevillian fare. And while it is a fantastic time for the fashion-forward to opt out of their usual flip-flops and basic tanks this summer, to do so in these economically trying months would be a constraint on the pocket. Enter the “recessionista”, a fashionista subtype defined as those who responsibly budget their finances without letting it affect their personal style.

Recessionistas know that being fashionable does not equate following or investing in trends blindly, says Yves Martini Camingue, a young designer and wardrobe stylist. A top fashionizer, DIY advocate and a recessionista himself, he believes that the key to leading the fashion pack is to always have great “staples” in the closet - pieces that can be translated into of-the-moment looks, yet go a long way without necessarily breaking the bank.

Here are tips on translating runway to realway even on a budget:

• Treated denim. A staggering number of fashion houses proved that the 90s are back in a BIG way by putting treated denim at the forefront of their collections. They bleached, ripped, folded, tore up, and tie-dyed their denim, declaring the ordinary skinny a thing of the past. This staple is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer: “Dig out those 90s jeans you once deemed as taboo and just cut em’, rip em’ and bleach em’,” muses Yves.

• Cage shoes. These bondage-inspired shoes that became such a Fall runway hit is here to stay for summer and all throughout 2009. Seen in varying styles and degrees of fetishism (think studs and buckles), cage shoes instantly amps up the sex appeal to any get-up. Though these shoes demand around P500 to P1, 500 for a pair, these attention-grabbers will remain relevant for a long time. As Yves puts it, “these shoes are a worthy investment and are the only accessory you’ll need.”

• Roomy separates. Forget about battling the heat wave in your usual skintight tanks and tops: this year is all about being casually cool and effortlessly sexy. The spring runways were all about loose and relaxed silhouettes, with models sashaying in “boyfriend” blazers, oversized shirts and tanks, cotton jumpsuits and harem pants (fashion’s throwback to the notoriously iconic MC Hammer). However, Yves notes that one can easily go from chic to sloppy in minutes if done wrong. “Proportion is vital. Pairing a roomy piece with fit, slim pieces are the key.” The great plus is that you can probably dig up these pieces in your nearest vintage or ukay shop, if you don’t feel like investing in retail or tailoring. Not only is this look easy on the eyes, but it can be easy on your pocket, as well!

•  Hardcore hip. Long gone are the days when spring fashion meant blooms and frills as 2009 ushered in the edgy, tough lovin’ chic as the IT look for the season. Word is out that the belles de jour will brazenly don sheer tops and dresses mixed with gam-baring minis, long vests decked out with militia studs and buckles, and second-skin bandage dresses for those sultry nights out. While seemingly complicated (and expensive) to pull off, Yves says that this look is a no-brainer: “Dare to fuse a lot of blacks and grays into your wardrobe. Pencil skirts you can dig up even in inexpensive haunts, and chiffon for sheers, are your best friends.” That, and a whole lot of attitude.

These days, summer means more than just the sun and exciting getaways. It is the springing of new outlooks in dealing with the current times. And though we are not too sure when the talks of financial strife and economic recessions will come to a close, us fashionistas can still get by just fine through making wise purchases and even recycling and jazzing up what we already may have. So go ahead, go all-out fabulous this year!