NP here. I'm in merchandizing, and I'm in my early 30s. Degree from FIT. So I'm not a pantsuit apologizer, but even I will say that the state of retail and U.S. fashion is absolutely grim. Fabrics and construction are terrible. The problem with design is one of cultural influence, in my opinion. The world used to be smaller; there used to be a few icons of any time--Jackie O, Lee Radziwill, CZ Guest, Babe Paley in the 60s, for example. Now with the internet, there are thousands of icons representing a multitude of cultures and styles. Used to be there were a few networks with a few TV shows, and a limited run of movies at any one time. Now, there are thousands of big and small screen influencers out there. OP actually made a good point with the Medieval/Tudors sleeves bit...don't think for a second that Game of Thrones hasn't influenced current looks. The problem is, that's just one program that's influencing the designers--it really is all "in a blender" as the original post said. |
My work wardrobe is basically:
1) Grana (silk blouses, shells, tanks) 2) J Crew (pencil skirts) 3) MM LaFleur (the viscose/nylon/elastane dresses) 4) M Gemi (shoes) 5) Cuyana (accessories) |
Okay, so it sounds like you prefer a much more retro style. And a much more conservative one, if the fashion icons you checked are any indication. There's a lot more diversity in style today- but for many people that's a great thing. Who cares if GOT has influenced current looks? TV shows have influenced style since the dawn of television- Miami Vice, anyone? You sound honestly quite confused for a fashion major, not to be aware of this. And to honestly believe that the fact that we have MORE choice, more options in what we wear is a bad thing. You want people to have more conformity in style? It honestly sounds like you have quite a boring sense of style- not to be rude but it's true- and simply cannot understand the plethora and ever changing trends that make up today's fashion landscape. |
Put up or shut up. You are probably sitting there in LuLa Roe right now. Sorry, the pineapple/martini prints really aren't working, sweetie. |
Ew. |
Aw, someone's upset that they didn't get any style tips. It's okay. I'm sure there will be another MLM in just your style soon. Hopefully with lots of elastic. |
No, sorry, you missed the point. I wasn't saying CZ/Babe Paley should be anyone's icons. I'm saying they were all similar in the 60s, and at that time, they were IT. Now, you can have diverse influencers all at once, which is great, but designers need to pick a lane, and not try to emulate all those influencers at once. You can't be all things to all people. So decide what your niche is, and stick to it (I'm talking to designers here, not consumers). At least be consistent within one collection/season. That's why J Crew and so many other mass retailers have disappointed their customers in recent years--they have tried to be all things to all customers, and they have failed. |
I don't think designers do need to pick a lane. First of all, plenty of designers (most) do have a lane- even if you think they've tried to diversify said lane, they still have one. No one could argue that J. Crew didn't do the "quirky/preppy" look consistently over the past several years, even if that ultimately, for a variety of reasons, proved to be unsuccessful. And actually, companies that specialize in diversity and following trends often do incredibly well, much better than ones that keep a narrow focus. I find it hard to believe that anyone would argue for less diversity within the market rather than more. |
What's so "ew" about basics? |
NP. Funny how you're the only poster who thinks designers and retailers have been getting it right these days. If you think duster-length cardigans with the shoulders cut out and pumpkin-print leggings are where it's at, go for it, I guess. LOL. |
Not really. If this were a fashion forum, or hell- even a forum known for having a small modicum of fashion knowledge, it might be notable. But sadly the opposite is true, so if anything, being on the opposite side of the majority here is pretty much confirmation that you're on the right track. As much as that may rile the frumps that make this board so distinctive. LOL. |
NP. Retail numbers are abysmal. Too bad no one's designing for us frumps. Turns out that people who have $$ to spend earn it by working at jobs they need to dress for. |
Nice try. I have an amazing job and dress well every day. The stores I frequent include Saks, Burberry and Betsy Fisher. Quality and construction have gone down, and designers seem to have abandoned fitted waists, so everything hangs like a mumu. Not attractive, no matter if you are a 0 or a 12. |
I just need clothing appropriate to a middle aged teacher who hasn't given up all fashion sense. I don't want to wear a school t-shirt and khakis every day, but I need clothing that I can bend over in or sit on the floor in a pinch. |