MACROTREND-fe/male

4 months ago my friend Bradin lost her job as a sales assistant in a shoe store. Due to the recession they weren’t getting enough costumers; thus, not enough shifts for a casual. She knew it was coming, however, she was still pretty upset. And as every girl does when feeling down; she went shopping, buying a second hand man’s blazer and fake gold necklaces. It gave her the confidence that she was lacking of at the time. By controlling her image she thought she had control over her economic situation.

I must say, I do love how predictable fashion is, is like déjà vu with a twist year after year. Might be a different crisis, in a different year, but the trends remain intact. We still rely on the persuasiveness of jewels and makeup; and borrow men’s authoritarian silhouettes in times of “need”.
And once again, we find ourselves playing with our dad’s/boyfriend’s/brother’s wardrobe; however, this time we don’t alter it … we steal it. The suit. Suits as a source power, the confidence that comes with a pair of shoulder pads and lapels. And don’t forget the pants, they’ve been around for the last 2 seasons and they don’t seem to be going anywhere.
Transeasonal pants in full shapes that can work in both winter and summer. Think “tailored oversized”. Rolled up hems, pulled back sleeves, paper bag waists, tucks and gathers. I blame Stefano Pilati for YSL, since he took reign in 2004 things aren’t quite the same, there’s masculine feel in the air, which I quite appreciate, feels… refreshing. His fall 2009 collection saw the revival of sophisticated leather and the stylish jumpsuit. Whereas, Stella McCartneys effortless and smart approach for spring 2009 made me wish I had the right skin tone for nude colours. However, it was Christophe Decarnin’s collection for Balmain, which I thought, hit the spot for commercial viability. So next time you’re feeling down, or out shopping for that perfect jacket; look around the men’s section and you might find a… suitable source of power.