Directives West
The American spirit is at an all-time high—mentally, physically and fashionably—and retail-consulting firm Directives West reinforced that spirit on Oct. 8 with their Spring 2002 fashion show, titled Rediscover L.A. The fashion show was held at the California Mart Fashion Theater and served as a trend overview for buyers and retailers attending the Los Angeles junior and contemporary market and the concurrent International Swimwear/Activewear Market.
The show kicked off the week’s market by acknowledging and supporting the United States’ current position regarding the terrorists responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks, and it offered a temporary and entertaining escape, L.A.-style, thanks to graffiti artist Man One, performances by rap artist Mr. Jekel, funky beats by DJ Rock and four super-charged hip-hop dancers.
This season, it seemed all about rediscovering all things Americana, from vintage looks and a sense of nostalgia—1950s references including gingham, cropped pants and adorable flouncy circle skirts and dresses—to patriotic red, white and blue and nautical influences. The American flag found itself on everything, from sparkling in glitter on denim skirts and jackets to stars and stripes on bikinis.
For juniors, glamified punk was strong—jeans and T-shirts being the base.
Rarefied denim bottoms and novelty tees were a staple and the options seemed limitless. Jeans were preferred low-waisted and flared but embellishment and deacute;cor varied. Denim pants and miniskirts came glittered, whiskered, studded, frayed, painted, color-washed and bleached and were paired with novelty T-shirts, tanks and casual tops.
Romance was in the air as well. Feminine tops and blouses came sheer, lacy, ruffled and shirred, and some had a heavy Victorian influence.
Contemporary trends started with pure athletic inspiration. Jogging suits and tracksuits—some with sexy mini-shorts—varsity looks and lots of French terry scored high on Spring’s list of favorites, as did this season’s sweet circle skirts from Corey Lynn Calter, Trina Turk, Single, Anja Flint and Rozae Nichols.
Swimwear designers really emphasized the Americana theme. Red, white and navy were the obvious colors of choice this season and were done in bandanna and floral prints, stars and stripes, and of course, the good ole American flag. —Joselle Yokogawa
