#7 Shhhh-!!!! Have you been invited to the trunk show, yet?!

Are you familiar with this kind of fancy invitation inside of a thick creamy envelope stamped with your favorite store logo or even through your email?
Have you ever been invited to a special show event held at your favorite stores?


It's a trunk show invitation.

It makes you feel like you're a valuable, favorite customer of the store and also gives you the excitement that you can see the same line as some famous front line buyer in New York's fashion week!

In fashion marketing terms, a trunk show is a special event within the fashion world in which a vendor/brand presents merchandise directly to the store's personal or select customers at a retail location, commonly in boutiques and boutique divisions of department stores.

Why is it called a "trunk show"?

They are referred to as "trunk shows" because a designer or sales rep will literally show up with a trunk of merchandise to show off.


It's held to promote or introduce a new line, generate sales volume or promote a brand image to their best customers. A trunk show would provide the opportunity to show off an entire line to loyal customers. It gives a boutique the opportunity to test a new line of merchandise with clients before placing a wholesale order with the designer. Often, the designers of the show appear and introduce themselves to his/her customers through the event, to make their best customers amused and communicate with them.


Traditionally, it's been very popular in the bridal industry.
A lot of bridal stores hold trunk shows every season, the collection designers appear with their special advice services, to sell the line to the bridezillas for their dream dresses.
They create a very special atmosphere in the store at the day of the event, such as; nice mood music, popular for receptions, champagne, crystal glasses, little finger foods, and of course browsing of the actual dresses while trying them on....
It gives customers a very special experience that exceeds their expectations.

Below are some popular trunk show invitations from bridal brands.
(Actually, these were my favorites, when I was looking for my dress....:D)





Even the new jumper to the bridal industry, J.Crew having a trunk show!

#6 New way to see the fashion show, Guerrilla!

We've all heard the term "Guerrilla" quite a lot.

Guerrilla concert, Guerrilla performance, Guerrilla store, etc...

Well, according to our friend, Wikipedia,

"The concept of guerrilla marketing was invented as an unconventional system of promotions that relies on time, energy and imagination rather than a big marketing budget. Typically, guerrilla marketing campaigns are unexpected and unconventional; potentially interactive; and consumers are targeted in unexpected places."

The objective of guerrilla marketing is to create a unique, engaging and thought-provoking concept to generate buzz, and consequently turn viral.

A lot of companies and people use this style of marketing nowadays, even in fashion.
We've seen on & off Pop-Up stores to attract customers and promote brands.

We used to seeing fashion shows on TV and in newspapers traditionally,
nowadays we can see them on our cell phones and laptops, where ever we are, with WI-FI.
And, obviously, there are people who use this for marketing their fashion shows.

Guerilla Fashion show



Sep 21. 2009,
A designer, Philip Colbert had a Guerilla fashion show during London Fashion Week in the National Gallery, where in a reference to The Thomas Crown Affair, 100 bowler hats were handed out to members of the public, whilst models walked up and down the gallery, exhibiting the clothing. According to Colbert, “The (museum) security could not stop all the tourists filming the show; hundreds of people started to follow us.” 




Jan. 27. 2010, There were 4 guerrilla fashion show held on the street, during the Amsterdam Fashion week.

Studio Sober, Oda Pausma and Bart van Dulmen (BVD) used the pedestrian crossings were used as a catwalk.

And, some designers even use the subway as their fashion show catwalks!

Well, actually, way back to long ago, there were the fashion show in the subway unusual fashion show at the Saint Michel metro in Paris. George CAUNES ad models worn by charming girls with Dany Saval in 1959.

And, the below video is recorded of fashion show in Subway of Rotterdam, Nethaland, designed by Ellen Rooijakkers in 2008.



Also, in Berlin, they have underground fashion show every year, since 2006.

In Australia, Perths centre of style for fashion shopping, Forrest Chase, held a unique series of dramatic interactive visual performances to support the launch of their new season fashion campaign.The performances blended puppetry and music to show Forrest Chase fashion coming alive. Promotional staff distributed postcards throughout the performance that promoted Forrest Chases e-catalogue and e-competition. This resulted in a direct response with a high number of e-competition entries received immediately after the performance times.



There were street guerrilla fashion shows held in New York City in 2004.
But, I haven't heard of any fun fashion shows in the NYC subway, yet
(We do have a great subway line!)
I'm hoping to see some kind of fun fashion experience in the NYC subway soon!

#4/5 Be RIO-RED for FALL 2011

It got cold in New York City way too fast.
The color of the leaves in Central Park have been changing, we're officially going through Fall 2010.
And, 2010 Fall colors are a variation of military green.

But, we're not just wear the colors that are now on the street.
We love to see what's going to be next year's big color and start thinking about what we're going to see.

Let's turn around and look for the colors for next Fall 2011.

The color direction from The Direction by Indigo International Exhibition of Creative Textile Design Show, was held on August 3 & 4 at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.



The color trends for Fall and Winter 2011/2012 were not the typical gloomy colors.
Grey is out and the gloom is gone!
The color ranges for women were filled with neutrals like maroon camel and caramels;
mid-tone colors likes purple, orange and red; and vivid hues like gold, teal and turquoise.
Color blocking is essential and thinking outside the normal color combinations will be your best bet.
Try mixing purple and gray, maroon and copper, orange and gold instead of your normal gloomy fall colors. Have fun with the array of colors that fashion has to offer.

What's the Key Color of Fall 2011?

According to the fashion forecasting service, WGSN:

After a time of introspection and reflection, a new optimism is emerging.
Color is the optimistic approach to enhance apparel and renew the classics.
Color is substantial, real and natural, with a move away from the tinted stories of previous seasons.

Red is one of the key shades for the season, ranging from dramatic, historical cardinal and oxblood through to fiery orange-based shades.

I picked RIO-RED as the key color for FALL 2011.

 
        Sombre historical oxblood reds and darkest browns accented by porcelain skin tones.

 

A surreal color mood is created through transposed darks and cold lilac-cast pinks.

As a bonus,
I want to share this video from PANTONE for Fall 2010/11.
PANTONEVIEW Colour Planner Fall 2011/2012

#3 Look around what you are seeing on the street, now.

You've probably heard this a lot:
"If you're not sure what to wear, what to buy, being on trend??
 Just go the place you always hang out,
 and take a moment, observe what's going on in the street.
 You'll get an answer."

YES.
One of the coolest things about living in NYC,
you can easily see what's the trend, also, you're able to see the so much variation of fashion is a bonus.
and I must confess that I enjoy the excitement 'fashion voyeurism' from time to time...:)
You can help yourself to see some interesting fashion, being a critic of someone's style,
awesome ideas of styling, or guessing the brand name from the style.
It's a part of human nature, that's my excuse.

As I mentioned Fall trend from previous blog,
We definitely seeing some specific items and trends from NY street.


Striped jersey top, Shorts, Loose drapery blouse and....lace up booties!

Courtesy of Streetpeeper.com/Nylon Magazine

Army green, Cargo pants, Military look is all for both women and men this Fall.

Courtesy of Streetpeeper.com

Skiny Cargo Pants, Rumors around it's hard to find to your size. Hot Season item.
Actually, she's runway model, Lindsay Ellingson.
Models always look good, even when they're not on the stage. 

Courtesy of altamiranyc

Denim Shirts, Utility vest in olive green, and combat boots.
Perfect utilitarian.

Courtesy of Elle.com

Some inspiration from 70s

Courtesy of Sartorialist.com

Fall seems be too hot to be,, great color combination.
Also, different variation of brogues comes strong this Fall.

Courtesy of Streetpeeper.com

This menswear inspired loose trousers are big seller item at ZARA.
With a lace top, you are ready to rock this Fall.

Courtesy of Elle.com

Love her way of using scarf wrapped around her top. Always great styling for Fall.
Still I'm a huge fan of Slouchy, Halem pants.

Courtesy of racked.com

And,,last look that I picked.
Red block stripe + classic British tartan plaid??
It could be too much, yet the light heather gray jacket makes it work.
Love to see some NY fashion, the variations of not just following on trend.
BRAVO.

Courtesy of racked.com

#2 WHAT'S COMING ON FALL 2011?

As I posted key items you must have this Fall 2010,
We've already been seeing a strong movement of Military look, with 80s mood.
I just got my new combat boots, ready to having fun with my new pair!
 

Now, let's take a look for next year, Fall 2011 trend.

(I know it sounds way too early, since we just folded up Spring 2011 Fashion week! But some people already are working for Fall 2011.)
Fashion is always changing faster, and we're living in the era of fast forward fashion!
And we love these excitements for what's coming next!

Let's sneak peak what the experts said,

According to WGSN,
- A huge fashion forecasting service in London, my favorite forecasting service!

Ladies will be more sophisticated than ever before!
Glossy and glamorous, inspired by the 70s lady is the key look.

It's going to be a lot of sleek, fluid draping, ladylike inspired look.
Keep it simple, sophisticated, clean and chic.

Courtesy of WGSN

Courtesy of Stylesight

What will be the key item for Fall 2011?

A silky fluid blouse with any details - bow, tie, origami, etc
It's the must -have- item that you need for a great ladylike look, also inspired from 1970s.
Whether wear with shorts or a below the knee length or long, full skirt, or wide pants,
a fluid blouse will be a must for the Fall 2011in your closet.


Chloe Fall 2010

Dior Fall 2010

Balmain Fall 2010

At last, I found a great video,
It's the video showing Fall 1971 fashion message from Harper's Bazaar.
 
China Michado, a Harper's Creative Director, interviews high-end American designers in their New York showrooms. She visits Betsey Johnson, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, Halston and Anne Klein, and many others.

Let's get inspired from 1970s and get ready for next Fall!

#1 80s still going on this Fall; Lace. Combat boots.

Last Year,

From those high fashion- Runways, Magazines, TV, Movies,,,

We've seen all 80's materials coming back way BIG.

Trophy jackets, acid-wash denim, big and very dynamic geometric prints, shoulder pads(big, big) in every styles....

There are so many elements from 1980s blending into our new fashion of 2010.

Obviously, here is the lady who ruled in 80s and has been inspiring all over the world.

Madonna...

And we've been keeping up with late 80s & early 90s this Fall 2010.

Here are some of key items inspired from 80s, you should pay attention and put on your 'must have item' or 'wish' list for this Fall.


"Lace, Lace & Lace...!"
There are so many kinds of variation with lace this season.
Simple lace top with your favorite pair of jeans,, along with platform hills, flats, boots,etc
You can try with simple pencil skirt and jacket, would be good enough & elegant office look.
Have a nice trim of lace or all over lace dress with colorful tights, see-through tights..good to go for night outs!
Black, White, Grey & Brown shades all work great!

Oh, one thing for sure. DO NOT OVER USE LACE!
And choose wisely your under construction.
Too much showing off lace top, lace skirt, lace tights,,,you don't want to give people the imagination about you only work at night....

Free People "Audrina" Scalloped Lace Top $78.00

MARC BY MARC JACOBS "Bronte" Crocheted Lace Top $398.00

Joie "Elvia" All-Over Lace Top $198.00

Ian Lace Sweatshirt $250.00

Aqua Lace-Trimmed Pocket Top $78.00

Aqua Striped Lace Tank Dress $88.00

Velvet by Graham & Spencer "Slinky" Lace Inset Cotton Shift Dress $152.00

"Restyled Chic Combat boots"

Started early 80s,,combat boots was a important item in punk fashion. These were the basic uniform for punk kids, often worn with "pegged" jeans - fold over the excess, and roll up from the bottom, or make narrow with safety pins.
And, now 2010 Fall, its getting stronger, much chic, re-stylized in fashion.
You can get any length of combat - lace up style boots with any pairs of jeans,dresses,leggings, tights, skirts and even Harlem pants might work.

Dolce Vita "Besos" Military Boots $198.00

Miss Sixty "Blair" Lace-Up Military Midcalf Boots $190.00

Giuseppe Zanotti Lace-Up Mid-Calf Boots $1,295.00

Joie "Refugee" Lace-Up Military Boots $535.00