Katrina Inspires Fashion. Who Knew?

From Gawker.com...

We’re always amused when news stories are entirely self-contradictory. Take, for example, this lead from the Sun:

After a catastrophic event like Hurricane Katrina, it feels indulgent to mull over questions of style.

Yes. Yes, it does feel indulgent to mull over questions of style now.

So what to do? Why, spend another 800 words mulling questions of style.

Duh.

It continues...

The NY Sun

How can we bear to ask ourselves what we'll be wearing this fall? What will emerge at Olympus Fashion Week? Just be thankful that you have clothes - and a closet to put them in.

That very thought process, I suspect, will wind up informing the clothing choices and trends that emerge this fall. After the chaos on the Gulf Coast, it's time for order in the world: modesty, linear shapes, and direct, womanly style. Up until last week, this fall could have been dominated by any number of the looks featured in the fall fashion magazines. But something has to guide your hand when you put together outfits or shop for new pieces. Something in the zeitgeist leads us to certain styles and away from others.

Ok, so I do care about Hurricane Katrina and I do care about fashion. But why point out that people are lamenting about fashion in the wake of the hurricane, then proceed to write an article about the trends in fall fashion magazines out this month. If you're going to talk about fashion--buckle down and admit it--and don't write about Katrina in the same category. After all, America is quite the land of materialism.

Hurricane Katrina aside (and yes just because its moved aside for now does not mean its forgotton!!), I'd like to focus on the another aspect of this article...this writer calculates her own list of the biggest trends this fall as a combination of the trends pointed out in Vogue, Lucky, and Harper's Bazaar magazines.

Lucky trends: Russian, menswear, 1970s collegiate, black, and "Hitchock lady."

Why is Russian so in? Ugh I hate velvet!

Says the writer...After the devastation of Katrina, the velvets and rich colors of the Russian trend seem too decadent. Women in menswear is too pointlessly confusing. And college is just frivolous. But there's comfort in the seriousness of jet black and the fitted suits inspired by the 1960s. Well, at least she agrees that there's no need for this silly Russian trend.

Harper's Bazaar trends: velvet (covering bangles, blazers, and platform heels), military style (boots, pins, and sailor pants), rosettes (on shoes, bags, and shirts), or lace (dresses, shoes, and camisoles).

There's also a page in Bazaar devoted to Katherine Hepburn style: menswear. Leather gloves, a trench coat, and a proper suit jacket. Since when is this a new trend? Katherine Hepburn has always been a menswear trendsetter and menswear has been around for a few years now. What gives?

Vogue trends: "..a strong statement piece is what we crave now: a perfect, high-impact coat, a chic and simple day dress or a dramatic Victorian floor-sweeper that changes our outlook with one swift stroke," Vogue says.

The article ends Maybe the Russian look will catch on after all. But for the time being, the safe bet is on creating a sense of surety. And if that comes with bold shoulders and a tight skirt, so be it. No matter what your budget, the bold aesthetic of womanly suits, tight belts, and a serious mien is out there - in all its sober, but sexy, Tippi Hedren glory.