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Introduced in the 1950s, skinny jeans were initially worn by film stars such as Sandra Dee, Marilyn Monroe, and Roy Rogers. Renowned for their thigh-hugging, form-fitting silhouette, skinny jeans taper at the ankle and are widely coveted for their slim cut that exudes sex appeal.

Premium denim

In the early 2000s, designers introduced us to “premium denim,” transforming jeans into high-fashion items as celebrity culture surged throughout the decade. Remember when 7 For All Mankind jeans debuted with logo-emblazoned back pockets, quickly becoming a status symbol? Skinny jeans were everywhere, often styled with era-specific trends like ballet flats, peplum tops, and Louboutin heels. Women could choose between designer brands and fast-fashion outlets.

Skinny pants

I first noticed the return of skinny jeans in the spring collections from European luxury brands. However, the style has evolved based on the interpretations of leading designers. 

On the runways, Isabel Marant, Prada, and Tod’s presented very slim-shape pants, which they refer to as skinny pants. This time, the notable change is incorporating plaid patterns instead of solely solid colors. Many are crafted from finely tailored fabrics. They fit the leg well without clinging so tightly that only the shape of a woman’s leg is visible.

The new skinny pant styles are anticipated to arrive in stores this summer. However, seasonal trends may cause many consumers to postpone shopping for pants and jeans until fall.

Silhouette shift

Whenever there is a significant silhouette shift, it positively impacts the fashion retail sector. This change also applies to footwear, as individuals need different shoes to complement their bottoms. Consequently, they frequently seek various tops to match, which can result in an entirely new wardrobe.

Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with many fashion models who have always worn skinny jeans. These models understand that a slim silhouette makes them appear taller and more attractive, so skinny jeans continue to be popular in the film and fashion industry. 

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The re-edition of the iconic Prada nylon bag from 2005 has sparked a renewed interest in this material. Its sleek silhouette and functional design make it a must-have accessory for fashion enthusiasts. This trend has also caught the attention of younger consumers, who appreciate its casual yet stylish appeal. 

Nylon handbags offer a more affordable leather alternative while maintaining a luxurious look. They provide a lightweight and durable option for those who prefer a sportswear-inspired look or need a travel-friendly bag. The versatility of nylon allows designers to experiment with different colours and prints, adding an element of excitement to their collections.

More than being fashionable, nylon bags align with Europeans’ growing concern for animal rights. Fashion-conscious individuals can make a conscious choice without compromising style by opting for this material.

In the 21st century, luxury fashion has evolved to include ideologies and environmental concerns, prompting a shift in thinking.

This trend has gained significant buzz in Europe and North America as luxury brands continue incorporating recycled nylon into their designs. Whether a mini-sized belt shoulder bag or an oversized tote, these nylon IT bags are making their mark as high-end fashion.

If you’re searching for a fashionable accessory that is functional, environmentally friendly, and cruelty-free, check out the latest collection of nylon handbags from European designers. These nylon IT bags offer a luxurious look without the high price tag, making them an affordable yet stylish choice.

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Elegant and enveloping, they have the ability to transform your look into a sophisticated ensemble, regardless if you are into t-shirts and jeans. 

Visit your favourite European designer boutique downtown Vancouver and you will find luxury fall coats that touches the ankle and come in natural fibres such as wool, cashmere, and mohair plus offer a variety of styles and silhouettes. 

Fendi’s fall collection offers pale rosette pink and cream-coloured coats with their iconic logo on pocket trim.

Chanel continues with its iconic tweed and surprised us with a gold leather coats to brighten fall days.

Valentino presented daring black and white checkered style coats, perfect for getting back into the lounge scene.

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Max Mara continues with their classic camel tones and natural fibers that will keep you warm for your fall social calendar.

The final touch is with your accessories and many designers did away with grey tones.

For fall, accessorize with bright colours

This season, Versace, Prada and Gucci have introduced us to scarlet orange, lemon yellow, and pink.

So, consider a brightly colored scarf, handbag or shoes to brighten up your look this fall.

As we reconnect with family and friends, luxury fall coats bring back elegance and warmth we rightly deserve. 

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Nonetheless, the fashion world soldiers on and, after reviewing many of the European luxury spring runway shows, here are my top three spring fashion trends for today’s woman.

Wild side: Sensual lace

Saint Laurent’s resort collection was all about the 90s. Remember Kate Moss’ wardrobe of vintage lace, silk camisoles and slip dresses?

This season, underwear is once again outerwear. Now paired with long blazers, cardigans, miniskirts or faded jeans, the emphasis is on comfort. 

At home, this look is easy and effortless, if a little wild. Early zoom meeting? Forego the common t-shirt and throw a blazer over your camisole or bralette.

However, you wear them, all are classic pieces that are smart investments for seasons to come.

Colour: Mint green

Pantone’s Color of the Year gave us illuminating yellow and ultimate grey while Hermes’ spring runway show presented us with butter yellow.

But my luxury buyer experience is betting on mint green as the must-buy colour of the season. It has a more youthful vibe, compliments more skin tones, and makes a terrific accent colour for accessories.

So, watch for mint green dresses and outerwear plus accessories such as sneakers and handbags for a playful colourful sporty style this spring.

Trench coat

In a world of uncertainty, fashion designers have gone back to basics, reinventing the classic trench coat.

Louis Vuitton, Prada and Nina Ricci all offer trench coats with a twist: from dramatic lapels and bold sleeves to curious side slits, drop waists and belts.

For spring, a cinched waist was big on the runway. Choose a belted trench coat that will emphasize your silhouette and leave the baggy, bulky and balloon-like winter coats behind as we look to warmer weather and longer days.

COVID-friendly fashion

As fashion designers have adjusted to pandemic life, their socially distanced luxury spring runway shows remain focused on home comfort.

But despite the continued emphasis on COVID-friendly fashion, I’m optimistic that by working together to keep family and colleagues safe, we will come out of this sooner rather than later.

There are signs of life in the luxury fashion realm. While spending on luxury fashion is down, the amount of the average sales transaction is up.

This demonstrates that the high fashion houses that focus on their core values of quality, exclusivity, and customer experience will weather the current storm.

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Also, with more luxury designers focusing on fashion sustainability and with sales reflecting clients choosing quality over quantity, the industry is changing for the better.

This spring, I hope your fashion choices reflect an optimistic outlook. I know mine will and I’m confident I’ll be back reporting from the fashion frontlines soon!

Top photo by H.F.E & CO on Unsplash

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After a hiatus from the runway, the mini skirt made a strong showing for spring/summer 2019. Prada offered ultra-short tennis skirts paired with oversized cardigans. Versace presented preppy inspired skirts with knitwear and smart blazers and Burberry gave us colourful thigh-skimming cow prints.

The return of the mini skirt trend to the catwalks of London and Milan comes at a time when the iconic item is being recognized more broadly for its influence on style and culture. A V&A exhibition, which opened last month in London, celebrates the life and work of Welsh designer Mary Quant who popularized colourful tights, tailored trousers and, of course, the mini skirt.

Mary Quant challenged convention by inspiring women to rebel against the traditional dress worn by their mothers and grandmothers. She ignited a global fashion trend that stretched from America to Asia and beyond. The V&A exhibition, which spans her career, begins with a scene of post-war London which saw the opening of Quant’s experimental shop Bazaar in 1955. Situated on Chelsea’s King’s Road, it was here that she began her career as a fashion designer.

In 1966, Quant began working with fabrics to create 10-inch pleated mini skirts. Worn with flat Mary Janes, zip-up knee-high boots and bright coloured tights, this scandalous short skirt was named after her favourite car, the Mini Cooper. 

Beginning in the 1950s, skirt lengths had gradually become shorter but Quant’s mini skirts sparked outrage from such illustrious figures as Winston Churchill. Coco Chanel described the mini skirt as “just awful”.

In contrast to the disgust felt my many, Quant described the mini skirt as liberating. “The short skirt,” she said in a recent interview with the BBC,  “was so you could move, run and dance.” It was dance that gave Quant the inspiration for the mini skirt, which she followed with designs for hot pants, slip dress and PVC raincoats.

All London teenagers in the late 60’s wore mini skirts along with bright colour tights. Those who didn’t just looked out of place. The trend then began to capture the imagination of young people around the world. I can still remember the day my father took me with him to the bank as a young lad and seeing every woman inside wearing a mini skirt.

Mary Quant’s success with the mini skirt overturned the dominance of luxury couture from Paris. She dressed liberated women and made designer fashion affordable for the working class while transforming the fashion landscape with youthful, revolutionary clothes, inspired by London’s creative scene. It could be said that Quant made making street style the global influence it is today.

Along with The Beatles and the Apollo moon landing, the mini skirt trend represents a keystone cultural moment of the last century. It’s popularity may wax and wane. Hemlines may rise and fell. But, while it may go in and out of fashion, the mini skirt is without a doubt an icon of the 60’s that stills endures today.

Mary Quant Exhibition at the V&A London until February 16, 2020.

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Ladies, prepare to turn heads because one of the biggest fall trends for 2017 is red. On the runways of the best luxury designers, the colour of passion made a vibrant splash. Givenchy gave us sculptural red coats, Oscar de la Renta offered sleek red dresses, and Prada showed naughty knee-high red boots.

But fall is not only about eye-catching hues like crimson, ruby and maroon. It’s also about a more polished style. Luxury fashion designers are done with the casual look. Gone are the ripped jeans, crop tops, tracksuits and expensive sneakers that prevailed in previous seasons. In the boutiques and on the streets of New York classic, elegant shapes and styles dominate.

As fashion designers try to speak to our individuality, they offer up several vintage-inspired fall trends looks.

With the temperature dropping, watch for the vintage style faux furs by Shrimps, first introduced last fall, to be the coats of choice for fashion-forward ladies. 70’s inspired plaids, in brighter tones and more sumptuous fabrics than those shown during the grunge trend of the 90’s, are sure to be a favorite look here in the great white north. On the runways, Tory Burch gave us beautiful mid-length plaid skirts while Chloe offered plaid statement coats that can seamlessly take you from the office to the country.

As for what to wear at this season’s holiday parties, there’s no need to stray from that fashion staple – the little black dress. Jason Wu, in particular, takes it up a notch, pairing black dresses with sensual fishnet tights and heels. It’s all about being captivating this holiday season so accessorize accordingly.

With sophisticated shapes, colours and prints making a strong showing this season, it’s time to put away your casual attire and welcome fall with a more refined style. And don’t forget that a touch of red will brighten up any drab fall day.

Above photo: Pete Bellis – Unsplash

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