Retro styles will translate to mass market

CEBU, Philippines - Aleading retail trend consultant has predicted a renaissance for 1920s and 1950s fashions next year, while a WWD report suggests a surge of candy colors.

A recent report by The Associated Press via The Daily Maillooks at how runway looks will be translated for high street consumers in 2012.

According to Catherine Moellering, executive vice president of fashion and retail trend consultants Tobe Report, consumers can expect to see “exotic safari looks, candy colors, flattering 50s-style dresses and touches from the 20s” next year, with this being particularly prominent thanks to the release of Baz Luhrmann’s movie adaptation of 1925 novel The Great Gatsby.

1920s-themed pieces such as drop waists, beaded chiffon dresses, cloche hats and waistcoats were prominent features in Spring/Summer 12 collections from labels such as Etro, Gucci and Ralph Lauren.

Meanwhile, fashion houses such as Prada evoked 1950s Hollywood glamour via Marilyn Monroe-inspired pleats and pin-up style polka-dot bikinis.

In terms of color, a recent article in WWD where retailers selected their favorite designer collections for Summer 2012 emphasizes the significance of pastel shades for 2012. Averyl Oates, buying director at British department store Harvey Nichols told the publication it expected the Alexander McQueen line to sell well, praising in particular the “color palette in shades of gold, coral, lilac, silver and cream.”

Nicole Fischelis, vice president and fashion director of Macy’s group, also praised the “sensuous feminine color” and “importance of shimmer and iridescence” in the Giambattista Valli Spring 12 line, predicting the designer’s accessories such as multiple bangles and chain shoes will be “must-haves” for the season.

That isn’t to say vibrant tones will be absent in fashion. Color forecasting firm Pantone declared Tangerine Tango as the defining shade for 2012 earlier this month, and designers including Tommy Hilfiger, Cynthia Steffe, Elie Tahari, Adrienne Vittadini and Nanette Lepore used bright oranges a great deal in their Spring 12 lines. (FREEMAN)