The golden tones that we forecast for Fall 19 (see Norwegian Wood trend tale) are making an early appearance for Cruise 19. The traditionally autumnal hues get a warm weather twist in easy athleisure looks like jogging sets, and in festive fabrics like glimmering matelassés or petal shaped spangles. Camel-toned leathers are part of the story, accented with a ceramic-green handle; the dull blue-green accent color is part of the Norwegian Wood palette as well.
The fine-gauge jersey turtleneck, a key item for layering, moves forward with prints. Geometrics, pen-and-ink scribbles, abstract leopard spots or florals are printed on smooth or ribbed knits or stretch velvets. The tops work on their own or are styled under other tees, polos or dresses, adding a fall-appropriate layer while providing visual interest.
The knife-pleated skirt, re-introduced to fashion by Alessandro Michele for Gucci a few season’s back, shows no signs of slowing down. The skirts work in solids, menswear plaids or prints. The key is using fabric — whether lustrous satin, crisp suitings, iridescent organza or lingerie-worthy lace — that is firm enough to hold a pleat yet lightweight enough to achieve the requisite flow.
Home furnishing fabrics abound this season, adding an unexpectedly lush note to the usually featherweight materials used for spring. There are needlepoints, tapestries and matelassés, brocades worthy of Marie Antoinette’s sitting room at Versailles and kitschy bedspread chenilles that would be at home in a 50s trailer park. Quilted or trapunto effects and bound or fringed edges underline the upholstery feel.