TOP 7 FASHION TRENDS FOR FALL '08

There was an overabundance of lovely looks at the Fall 2008 Los Angeles Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Designers gave in to indulgence for next season, and showcased pieces made of rich fabrics befitting the fall season. Among the evening gowns, charming cocktail dresses, and tailored separates, were some of the hottest trends for fall.

FALL TREND #1: TIERS We can easily say that tiers are going to be among the top dress trends next season. Tiers were everywhere at LA Fashion Week, appearing in the collections of Julia Clancy, Kelly Nishimoto, and Joseph Domingo, to name just a few. Whether they appeared on long evening gowns or short cocktail dresses, tiers were featured on almost every runway. Chiffon and multicolor tiers were the key components of this look. Joseph Domingo’s beautiful aubergine-colored tiered chiffon gown was to die for, and Veronika Jeanvie’s collection featured an attention-getting blue and white ombre tiered evening gown.

Model wearing tiers at the Joseph Domingo show

FALL TREND #2: COCKTAIL SHORTS A refined look for day or evening, cocktail shorts made appearances on several fall runways, including Jenny Han, Alexis Lamontagna, and Nicholai by Nicky Hilton. Satin, high-waisted, and super-chic, cocktail shorts are going to be hot next season. Finally we have a stylish alternative to cocktail dresses. Worn with opaque leggings, this look will be perfect for any occasion, and we can hardly wait to get our hands on a pair!

Cocktail shorts on the Alexis Lamontagna runway

FALL TREND #3: NYLON There’s just no use fighting it any longer. Nylon is here, and whether it’s metallic or basic black, it’s going to be big for fall. A lighter and more affordable alternative to leather, nylon leggings create the look of a well-fitted leather pant. Nylon ruled the runway at Joseph Domingo and Veronika Jeanvie, where we saw nylon bodysuits and dresses as well as leggings. At Nicholai, Nicky Hilton showcased sexy nylon skirts paired with nylon leggings.

The nylon trend at the Nicholai show

FALL TREND #4: HOODS With a nod to Little Red Riding Hood, many designers incorporated hoods into their fall collections. Hoods appeared on both day and evening pieces, and on casual tops as well as cocktail dresses. Satin-lined and worn over the heads of models, these hoods (surprisingly) weren’t sloppy looking; instead, the hoods gave each piece a uniquely casual touch. Notable among the hooded pieces were Jenny Han’s silver satin hooded minidress, Alexis Lamontagna’s black and white hooded dresses, and the hooded streetwear pieces from the Monarchy Collection. Even the lingerie line from the Pussycat Dolls had a hood or two thrown into the collection.

Hoods on the runway at the Pussycat Dolls show

FALL TREND #5: CHIFFON & SATIN Satin dominated the fall runways. The top fabric choice of designers for fall ’08, satin was used for evening dresses, cocktail dresses, shorts, blouses, and the lining of hoods. Combined for evening with the season’s other must-have fabric, chiffon, satin added a chic touch to even the most casual pieces. Pieces like Octavio Carlin’s satin minidresses, satin blouses from Jenny Han, and the satin/chiffon evening dresses from Farah Angsana took center stage.

Chiffon and satin work together in this design from Farah Angsana.

FALL TREND #6: MINIDRESSES Speaking of minidresses, these dainty little pieces are here to stay for fall. Designers like Farah Angsana, Julia Clancy, and Jenny Han delighted us with one minidress after another in varying silhouettes and styles. Ukrainian designer Veronika Jeanvie raised a few eyebrows with her metallic nylon minidresses, while Octavio Carlin made a more demure statement with his satin minis.

Mini Dresses on the Octavio Carlin Runway

FALL TREND #6: THE COLOR PURPLE Aubergine, plum, and other shades of purple were among the top shades on designer’s color palettes for fall. If there was any doubt, it was erased when Joseph Domingo’s metallic purple leggings came down the runway. Kelly Nishimoto designed a beautiful tiered dress in a deep purple shade, while Veronika Jeanvie took a lighter approach with plum. Especially charming were Octavio Carlin’s plum colored chiffon evening gown and Jenny Han's purple minidresses, sweaters, and satin blouses.

Purple satin dress from Jenny Han

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Article Written By: Kimberly Kong; Kimberly is a graduate of FIDM in Los Angeles, CA. She enjoys traveling, trend forecasting, and never says no to a good sale.