Fall ’12 Trends by Directives West
It was a crowded house at the Directives West Fall ’12 runway presentation, which opened L.A. Majors Market on April 2 at the California Market Center. Retailers, sales reps and members of the fashion community turned out to see the fashion show, which gave a West Coast look at key trends and styles for the upcoming season. The show, held at the CMC Fashion Theater, included looks that spanned across the contemporary, better-moderate updated, juniors, girls’ and accessories categories.
This season, Directives West, The Doneger Group’s West Coast merchandising-consulting firm, highlighted three key trends. “American Tales” focused on traditions of the past updated for today. The result was a sophisticated spin on mix-and-match separates combining floral patterns, prim-and-proper blouses and a touch of prep.
Ethnic inspiration took the form of “Renaissance Spirit,” focusing on nomadic cultures of the world. A free-spirited ’70s bohemian emerged with scarf prints, fur vests and floppy hats. Directives West paid homage to the ’60s and ’70s in “Mod Rocker.” The tough-chic look was inspired by the era’s rock icons and youth subcultures with leather, plaid, British flags and plenty of studs.
Must-haves for the season span across the three key trends. Printed jeans, wax and foil treatments, bold colors, leather, metallics, moto jackets, ethnic prints, and tuxedo pants will be all the rage for Fall.—N. Jayne Seward
Photography by Norman Zeller. More images may be found here.
