AS A STUDENT of classical mythology, I was introduced to Janus, worshiped by the ancient Romans as the god of all beginnings as well as the god of exits and entrances. A “janus” was a ceremonial gateway in Rome through which mighty armies once marched. In paintings, sculpture and on coins, the god is represented by a double-faced head, which is thought to be looking forward and looking back.
Which is what everyone seems to be doing this time of year. InStyle and The New York Times, among others, chronicled fashion’s biggest moments of 2015, including Caitlyn Jenner’s arrival on the fashion scene and the departures of Dior’s Raf Simons and Lanvin’s Alber Elbaz. In trends, designers looked back to the ’70s with wide-leg pants, fedoras and fringe all touted as must-haves. The influential Marc Jacobs took a liking to Victorian looks on his fall runway, as did Joseph Altuzarra with his prim lace blouses. Turtlenecks made a comeback and so did fur, both faux and real. And, let’s not forget “winter florals,” athletic-inspired attire and puffer coats. One of the few looking or rather leaping ahead was Belgian designer Iris Van Herpen whose 3-D printing and innovative use of materials like stainless steel gave her fall collection an otherworldly, sci-fi look.
Speaking of science fiction, the new film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” is poised to influence our fashion choices for 2016. Says fashion critic Vanessa Friedman in The New York Times, …”I would look out for (in no particular order, and in both men’s and women’s wear): the return of sand tones; the rise of the flight-suit variation of the jumpsuit; distressed leather; pleated drapery beyond Fortuny silks; and tailored kimono dressing.”
From Spring 2016 runways, fashion prognosticators from The Washington Post, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal think bold colors (lots of reds and blues), graphic prints, embellishments (feathered and embroidered denim), lingerie-influenced clothing and lots of shoulder-revealing garments have a shot at showing up at a store near you. Because runway rarely translates to reality, it is yet to be determined what you will actually buy once these clothes arrive mid-February or thereabouts.
— Janet Kelly
I think Ralph’s striped halter dress should be part of our boating attire this summer, yes? As much as I love the sweaters and coats of the fall/winter shows, spring/summer is really where the neat stuff is…..
Yes, I do love Ralph’s halter dress. So perfectly nautical.