After several-season reign of athleisure and normcore, the end of 2019 marks the resurgence of glamour, a local fashion expert reveals.
Citing reports from giant trend forecast website World’s Global Style Network, Christine Benet, the chairperson of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program, highlighted the must-haves that are tailor-fit for Filipinos.
With the seamless blend of the flamboyance of the 1980s and the street fashion of the 1990s, individualism retains the crown with bold, expressive, and distinct attitude that depicts the Generation Z.
“This is a reflection of how they look forward to the future. They express themselves but reflected their childhood and organic inspirations by mixing pieces from the past,” stated Benet. “Everything is still voluminous and loud. The main addition will be the neutrals in terms of colors, vintage in silhouette, disco in lifestyle and more plastic-type accessories.”
She said 2020 will herald the trend of elevating what is traditional and updating the usual: shifting the attention from the cuffs to the collars with distinct details, disrupting the classic shapes with exaggerated proportions and Art Deco-inspired trimmings, and seeking for attention with embellished patchworks, geometric appliques, and stunning cutwork.
Streetwear also embraces a more global aesthetic through an unexpected mix and match of sophisticated pairings: sports-enthused pieces adapt to a more glamorous look, oversized hoodies don luxe-inspired adornments, if not kimono flare sleeves and track tops are now in jewel hues.
The casuals are revamped with double-layer boxy and slightly cropped tops that channel the comfy ‘90s vibe with its overlay of checked and striped long sleeves.
The classic suit-up also takes a contemporary turn with unconventional yet chic combinations: the 1980s strong-shouldered blazer takes its subversive turn when worn with shorts, bra tops, and heels; the old-school check tops and ensembles are back in playful patterns and spliced applications; and check trousers with high-rise waist pants fluidly falls with its loose-fitting wide legs.
The youthful maxi dresses may also rule at this time of refreshing upgrades with ruching made extra crisp through drawstrings, prints of flora and fauna, Victoriana-inspired fluted sleeves and lace panels, robe wrap-ups with adjustable self-fabric belts, dashing blouson sleeves and ruffle trims which also go well with trousers on cold days, and volumes of a figure-hugging top but falls with a fluid skirt.
For those who wish it extra comfortable, pajama are still in, but in opulent fabrics. Deconstructed pullovers with an asymmetric button-down that finishes with a clean side-slit on the sleeves are also a great alternative.
Ideal for the holiday rush, boiler suits with embroidered patches and two-in-one jumpsuits with a ruched top and delicate floral lace sleeve are also the looks-to-go.
What is glam without attention-grabbing visuals that threw mediocrity out of the line?
The basics are indeed the staples, but statement styling breathes new life to these blank canvases. Elevate it with head-turning surreal and novelty-inspired details, striking primaries, metal settings, multi-colored beadings, and opulent jewelry- and glass-like accoutrements in gem tones. Those who want to keep it subtle can complete their looks with a dash of the 1960s and 1970s retro mid-tones, classic leathers, and felted wools.
In the men’s market, the current obsession on the 1980s backdrop takes a softer tone with purple as the key hue especially in dragged or blurred effects. For a bolder look, prints such as recycled newspaper clippings and photo negatives in poor quality make for the urban vintage vibe.
Following women’s maximalist aesthetics, menswear likewise don crammed prints such as graffiti tags, pasted posters, and layered advertisement graphics that radiate a DIY do. The 1980s and the 1990s true-to-form high-contrast printed skins such as leopard spots, tiger stripes, and cow hides also demand a second look. Meanwhile, thrifted granny florals give a nod to the current gender-fluid fashion.
For the man-on-the-go, the classic trucker jacket with its DIY-inspired spliced panels and sewn-over designs, a 1990s leather jacket, and a utility gilet are basic layering must-haves.
For those who are more into a sleek look can resort to bluff detail minimalistic shirts with hidden plackets, hooded check tops, and rocker leather shirts.
Considering that these style necessities are not dependent on the usual new arrivals, Benet shared that this will pave the way for a better appreciation on shopping for pre-loved clothes.
“Filipinos are able to maximize by adapting through online shopping and thrifting (ukay-ukay),” she said. “It was actually foreseen that in the near future, the ‘second-hand’ industry will take over fast fashion.”