The way we wore in 2009
Perhaps it was the recession or maybe it was the onslaught of countless natural (and manmade) disasters, but it seemed like fashion trends from 2008 were just recycled for 2009.
Terms like “recessionista” and “frugalista” became favorite buzzwords of the media. Fashion became the last thing anybody wanted to spend on, whether it was the everyday consumer, the luxury brand hound, or the big-budget advertiser.
What all this means is that what you wore last year still worked well this year. Here are the trends that made an impact on our wardrobes in 2009, in no particular order.
Gladiators. When it came to the “it” accessory for 2009, shoes won over bags. “Ang walang kamatayang” gladiator sandals were still top of the list for many women — and stores continued selling them in every color, material, and height imaginable.
Platforms. Last year’s platform was still very popular with brands trying to outdo each other through higher heels and funkier designs. And short women everywhere applauded.
Ankle-high booties. There was a time we wore boots only during winter, rain, or when traveling. But now we wear our boots all year round and for every occasion. Ankle-high booties (both in open- and closed-toe styles) were the footwear of choice for many women when wearing a fancy dress or short skirt.
The plunging neckline. A couple of years ago, only the most daring girls had the nerve to wear a neckline that went all the way down to their navel. But these days, the plunging neckline has become the height of fashion, especially on cocktail dresses and evening gowns. Hollywood starlets don this look all the time, whether on the red carpet or being chased by paparazzi on the street, so why can’t regular women with perky breasts, real or faux?
Harem pants. This trend was bubbling under late last year, and by summer this year it exploded. Once SM has it on the sales floor, you know it’s reached its peak. It appealed to a lot of women because it hid a multitude of sins — puson, saddlebags, fat knees — and all supposedly in the name of fashion, and no one would be the wiser.
My Pilipinas shirt copycats. If you thought Collezione C2’s Philippine map shirt couldn’t get more popular than last year, we’ve got news for you: It still hasn’t reached its peak.
Wait till 2010, election year. Many politicians have chosen it as their uniform, ordering their party’s signature color from Collezione by the thousands. And other local brands have cashed in on this hot, hot trend. And why shouldn’t they? Collezione doesn’t own the Philippine map.
Bib necklaces. When Bea Valdes created her first collection of handcrafted necklaces several years ago, we had never seen anything like them. After making an impact on the international market, her creations started a trend of huge, heavily embellished neckpieces that looked like they were part of the outfit — no other accessory required. The bib necklace enhanced streamlined formal dresses and elevated casual daytime outfits.
Statement hair accessories. We’re not talking about fabric headbands or cutesy clips, we’re talking about hair accessories that almost resemble little hats. Well, if Tessa Valdes can get away with feathers on her hair, then why can’t we regular folks?
Secondhand designer bags. In the beginning, it was the fashionista’s dirty little secret: buying a second-hand designer bag. But in these days of cost cutting, there’s no longer shame in purchasing someone else’s “gently used” designer goods, which are now openly being sold in malls, social-networking sites, and catalogs. Just make sure your source is reliable and you’re not being duped into purchasing a fake.
The color yellow. Whatever your political affiliations were, when former President Cory Aquino passed away last August, the country suddenly became a sea of yellow. When people queued up for hours to pay their respects, they wore yellow. When people lined the streets on the day of her burial, they wore yellow. For weeks after that, people who wanted to remember her wore yellow. That is, until Noynoy Aquino proclaimed he was running for president — then wearing yellow became a political statement.
