Barbara Fields' Spring Forecast: Navajo Prints and Skirts Will Sell Well
Navajo prints, metallic fabrics and almost every variety of skirt will be among the top-selling items during the Spring 2012 season for juniors retailers, said Barbara Fields, president of the Barbara Fields Buying Office.
More than 200 retailers from companies including JCPenney, Rue 21, Sears, K-Mart, Toronto-based YM Inc. and Gordmans took notes during the Fields Spring 2012 Trend Presentation, which started Oct. 3 during the Majors Market at the California Market Center in Los Angeles. The seminar series ends Oct. 10.
During the seminar Fields also discussed the bright colors forecast to pop in the spring. She also discussed denim trends, including the continuation of skinny jeans. Retailers also heard about the trims and the details that will be popular. Fields forecast that feathers and fringes will be hanging off of teen girls’ hippie and Navajo-inspired tops and dresses.
Fields has been in the fashion forecasting business since 1981. She makes most of her fashion forecasts by scouting trends in the fashion capitals of London and Tokyo and also checking out what kids are wearing in Korea and Barcelona. Her office purchased more than 90 percent of the samples exhibited at her presentations. The buyers attending the seminar said that her forecasts are good. quot;She sees things first,quot; said Maria Meyer, vice president of merchandise for YM Inc. quot;She’ll sniff trends out first—before we’re comfortable with them.quot;
Fields especially recommended retailers stock cropped jackets, particularly those made in denim, as well as its opposite—the boyfriend jacket, which will be a little oversized and slouchy. Lace, crochet and plaids will continue to be popular, but horizontal stripes will be part of every teen girl’s wardrobe. Maxi skirts, mini skirts, bandage-style skirts and skirts with a novel hi-low hem will take juniors style imaginations in spring.
While 1970s-inspired looks remain strong, a real retro trend is on the horizon. quot;Pussycat bowquot; blouses will be popular. quot;It’s the 1920s influence,quot; Fields said. —Andrew Asch
