California Apparel News

Los Angeles-based buying office and retail consultancy Directives West hosted five trend presentations on the opening day of the Los Angeles Major’s Market at the California Market Center. The day began with a contemporary and juniors trend overview, titled Cirque du L.A., followed by “What’s Next L.A.,” a moderate report. The buying office covered accessories and girls’ trends, as well as a “Style Xperts” presentation of designer and contemporary resources.

Circus of style at Directives West

The Directives West buying office chose a Cirque du Soleil theme for its Spring 2007 trend presentation on Oct 9. Held in the California Market Center’s fashion theater, the “Cirque du L.A.” fashion show featured 274 juniors and young contemporary looks. A record crowd of more than 700 buyers and retail executives packed the theater to view next season’s hottest trends. Adding to the circus theme, performers on stilts and a strong man in full body paint shared the runway with the models.

“It was our highest-attended show ever—it was absolutely great. I think we set the tone for a fantastic Spring,” said Sandy Potter, who along with partner Sandy Richman, owns the retail consulting firm. Attendees were treated to fashions ranging from skinny, candy-colored denim; ’80s-inspired streetwear; nostalgic Americana; Twiggy frocks; country club prep; and celebutant-style party dresses. Short-alls, skirt-alls and overalls in varied lengths and silhouettes proved to be a major trend for Spring. Paired with T-shirts, striped thermals and leggings, the playground favorite took on a cool new air.

Bubble shapes made an appearance, but volume for juniors and young contemporary was more focused on trapeze dresses and puff-sleeve blouses. Trench coats in lightweight fabrications topped shorts and leggings. Dresses in apron, jumper, maxi length and shirtdress silhouettes were dressed up and down with cropped jackets and leggings.

—Erin Barajas

What’s Next

Nautical was a big trend for the moderate market, according to Directives West, with plenty of nautical stripes in traditional red and blue, as well as spring shades of yellow and bright green. The cheery stripes topped cropped trousers and denim.

Another key trend was plaid, which worked for Bermuda-length shorts as well as cropped pants and a preppy patched jacket.

Denim came in all lengths, from calf-grazing skimmers to relaxed draw-string styles. There were flirty overall styles and a curve-hugging trumpet skirt with a floral print.

Feminine styles also continued to be strong, with eyelet dresses, wrap dresses and lace separates.

—Alison A. Nieder

Designer Direction

The look on the runway at Directives West’s “Style Xperts” show was both pretty and polished. Designer and contemporary resources such as Trina Turk, Poleci, True Meaning, Single and Language Los Angele, showed dresses in trapeze, wrap and slip styles.

Denim from brands including Rich & Skinny, Frankie B. and !it Jeans included skinny silhouettes and flirty short-shorts. Designers played with jersey for dresses, jumpers and layering pieces. Prints ranged from graphic rugby stripes and space dyes to florals and polka-dot patterns. —A.A.N.