Speaking Style

In a season when most other designers are sending demure and restrained pieces down their runways, Ralph Lauren is one of the few with the audacity to really break even the most prevalent fashion trends. He threw together (or threw away altogether) some of the season’s biggest trends and came up with a collection that was both daring and darling.

Opening the show was a series of structured black pieces which would’ve been relatively nondescript were it not for the bold leopard prints on the outerwear and the accessories. It’s true that animal prints are a major trend right now, but only in the accessories department. Precious few have tried creating collection pieces that actually focus on said prints.

After them came a series of garments that could only have been inspired by the Lauren family retreat in Colorado. The buffalo plaid and blanket coats are very ranch-appropriate choices, and can easily be imagined as standard issue on the Double RL Ranch. However, Lauren also gave the masculine pattern more feminine touches, such as fitted hunting jackets and shirts.

The biggest surprise of the show was easily the eveningwear. Where else have you seen an honest-to-goodness floor-sweeping evening gown in buffalo plaid? Lauren’s show would have been one of them, and the man pulled it off well on not one but three garments. There was even one piece that combined the plaid and the animal print for a loud, crazy-prints-all-over look. Yes, it looks kooky at first glance. As with most of Lauren’s work, though, you can’t help but see the elegance and chic-ness of the outfit as it comes gliding down the runway.

Luxury brands like Gucci are often associated with clothes that are very elegant yet tend to be – there’s no other word for it – stuffy. But for Fall 2008, creative director Frida Giannini appears to have gone head over stilettoed heels in love with a bohemian look that stumbled through a bit of Russian folklore. It’s a bit hard to digest all at once, but the outfits should be able to explain for the formidable Frida.

This outfit right here captures three of the fashion trends that Gucci apparently wants to set upon the world (the fashion house has, unsurprisingly, succeeded). The animal print coat (notice the tiger print) is a very bold statement to make, especially when the trend was limited to nothing larger than a tote bag. Forecasters are now saying that animal print apparel will be the next new fashion trend.

Ms. Frida also decided to have some fun with fringe, as made apparent by the fringed suede boots. It might already have caught fire as a celebrity fashion trend, but let nobody forget that Gucci models were among the first to work the fringy look.

And while you’re looking at those boots, did you notice the studs they had along the top? Yup, that’s the third trend to round out this Gucci glam-fest. There are studs on the boots, on the bag and on every other accessory you spot on the Fall 2008 Gucci collection. Listen up, girls! The studs you have need not always be the male variety.

Celebrities are very often sources of fashion trends, and they certainly took on that duty this season. Stars from both coasts were spotted wearing what is being called this season’s – and, in fact, this year’s – must-have accessory: the scarf.

Listen up, boys and girls! The scarf is an extremely versatile accessory because you can wear it in just about any season. It’s a great way to add a splash of color while adding some warmth, if the weather calls for it. You can, however, give it a light knot or a loose drape if you don’t want it to feel too stuffy. Gender also isn’t an issue. Although female fashionistas are most often photographed wearing scarves, guys can rest assured that they can wear one with their outfit without getting emasculated in the public eye.

Of course, the runways saw this trend happen first. The shows for Fall/Winter 2007 saw major fashion labels like Balenciaga drape models in scarves galore. Big brands like Hermes also released new versions of their scarf classics. The celebs apparently sniffed out the trend, which is why stars like Rihanna and Charlize Theron (pictured) have stocked up on scarves from brands like the fabulous Love Quotes.

Do you want the scarf look? Grab one in your favorite color or pattern, and then pair it with even the simplest jeans-and-shirt combo you’ve got. Just don’t pair the scarf with colors that are too bright (neutrals or classic pastels are still best for proper contrast) or with pieces that are too loose (a scarf will look weird with a peasant skirt, for example). While the best and most popular are from brands like Love Quotes (starting at $80) and Ralph Lauren (starting at $38), you can find more reasonable options at Forever 21 (starting at $8) and still get the same look.