EDITORIAL FASHION PREVIEW HITS THE RIGHT LOOKS FOR AUTUMNAL WARDROBES
Macy’s Herald Square, May 14th 2007
Text, Images by J. Ecochard
The largest department store in the world, Macy’s Herald Square flagship- is an All- American, 150 years' old icon.
So- we were feeling a bit patriotic riding the elevator up to the lucky 13th floor for an editor’s preview of Fall 2008.
The sparkling tableaux vivants (with mannequins-not live models) were spread out over four spacious rooms-each highlighting major retail themes (women’s/men’s clothing and accessories)… set to hit stores this summer.
And the glorious wrapped terrace, elegantly furnished and catered (yum-espresso brownies) and site of a live photo-shoot- had us making a mental note to never miss a Macy’s preview again!
Fall 2008 Women’s
It was nice to meet Nicole Fischelis, Vice President/ Fashion Director of Women’s Ready –To-Wear of Macy’s newly established Fashion Office. We feel her hard work that included sourcing gazillions of lines, paid off as she really “got” Macy’s customers (which vary slightly, depending on the region)- pulling together stylish clothes at affordable to downright cheap price points.
“Combining different materials and textures… day into evening looks and vice-versa…shine, sequins, and couture details like ruching and pleating” are all key trends for women this Fall, Fischelis noted.
In turn, we nodded our heads in approval while surveying the “A State of Grace” Kelly chic signature coat + skirt + dress ensembles in soft tweeds and flattering wool jersey, posh cashmere and mohair knits, and menswear inspired wide leg trousers, pencil skirts, and vested suits.
Other notable looks categorized as “A Dark Romance” are “defined by the dualities of male/female, hard/soft, and aggression/seduction.” We particularly like how these warrior women sentiments translated well-in wardrobe staples like skinny pants, belted sheaths, motorcycle jackets, and trench coats in an urban edgy “somber palette of dark blacks, grays and muted blues” punched up with the “it” color PURPLE and the “it” fabric LACE.
Lastly, a decidedly bohemian “A Free Spirit” mood - in a black silk Echo blouse printed with feathers and other “ditsy prints for juniors” -rounds out the eclectic vintage/contemporary bright red, chocolate brown, and cool charcoal gray, craftsy separates.
ACCESSORIES
Russ Orlando, the affable Vice President/Fashion Director Accessories for Macy’s is the kind of person we could have spent an entire afternoon with-discussing runway trends... garmento biz’ buzz.
For Orlando, key looks for Fall “are all about the pin” beginning with a charming flowered “Charter” sample (msrp $16.95) topping out at $195.00 encompassing geometric cuts and metallic gold finished styles. Chunky armor cuffs and long 20’s style necklaces (and pearls) will also find favor.
Shoe-wise, Orlando is particularly sweet on “good girl-prairie fringes” and predicts affordable wedge suede boots by Jessica Simpson, cozy shearing mid-calf samples, and lace up suede ones by veteran cobbler Sam Edelman will appeal to consumers.
He also cites an eighties revival theme happening- with updated versions of the now classic “bad girl” Doc Martens clunkers we wore in high school.
Open peep-toe booties paired with textured sheer hosiery as well as classic pumps with sculptured heels- add sophisticated panache to anchor office or evening looks.
Plus, gaining importance are chic scarves tied in the front-often jazzed up with embellishments- and opera length gloves in snappy candy and neutral colors.
Naturally roomy shoulder bags, luxurious small evening bags (“no clutches-over”), and hauler satchels in textured leathers, patents, and vinyl are often the first buys by consumers- for a season. Macy’s carry-alls will come in a rainbow of tones, including statement making jewel shades. Men's overnighters are durable and mercifully, bling-free.
Interestingly, Orlando looks for a pointy toe revival and the strong influence of the soon to be released movie “Brideshead Revisited” as future fashion influences.
FALL 2008 MEN’S
Not surprisingly, celebrity styles have trickled down to the masses-particularly the multi-talented Justin Timberlake (sexy suave threads like vests, cardigans, slim suit, black and white tuxedo paired with clean sneakers) and the always classically correct (well except for a few Page Six bits) of hunky Yankee captain Derek Jeter-both inspiring guys donning to look handsome, not kooky.
We love the return of the vest-a puffed or a pinstripe sample paired with casual denim or a well-tailored suit.
Cardigan sweaters worn with button down collared shirts, camel hair jackets, and double- breasted suiting and outerwear…with wing tipped shoes- signify a return to good grooming.
Hipster slim silhouetted staples also continue from last year-as seen in skinny ties, narrow collar dress shirts, and fitted sweater vests.
Amusingly, a section for dudes include “Plaid About You” a tongue twist on the “Mad About You’ nineties TV sitcom…provided some color with lumberjack and gingham plaids revving up autumnal wardrobes.
