Runway Fashion Trends for 2008 Inspiration for Women's Fashion - Spring 2008

Colors are brighter, reflecting the true concept of spring and dresses are more prevalent this season, with a real mix of sophistication, a hint of '80s retro and long-floaty maxis reminiscent of the '60s and '70s. New York Fashion Week, 5-12 September 2007, revealed some exciting and inspirational designs for Spring 2008.

Leading fashion magazine Elle features "10 trends from New York Fashion Week" in its online edition. Designers such as Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Vera Wang and Oscar de La Renta showcase their creations, in the Elle image gallery.

Whilst most westerners are unwrapping their Christmas presents at this time of year, the fashion world is two steps ahead. For fashion-conscious women, once the Christmas decorations are packed away, it will be time to think about next season's high-street trends influenced by designer fashion.
Styles and Fabrics

* Think floaty and feminine, with ruffles, lace, pleats draping cuts and transparent fabrics. According to the Daily Mail's article, of 28th December 2007, "Vogue's 2008 Hotlist Revealed", "The ruff is the fashion detail of the season".
* Light airy dresses, be they maxi or mini – the maxi dress continues its comeback given its versatility and popularity from last year.
* The maxi dress makes a real statement this season in classy and casual styles. Flowing, drapes with pleats and ruffles and one-shoulder necklines.
* Light, airy long-dresses and long, flowing skirts, comfortable and easy to wear.
* References to ancient Greece in sophisticated drapes and pleats such as Donna Karan’s Shades of Gres, an elegant silver-gray, halter-neck maxi with intricate pleats, folds and draping.
* Desert-inspired maxis and safari trouser or shorts-suits in two of Pantone’s top ten spring colors, Golden Olive and Croissant..
* Colour-blocked dresses continue to be a popular trend with two or three colors.
* Asymmetry is a keynote style seen in many of next season’s dresses and soon to be released summer swimwear.
* Two-sleeved styles are given the cold-shoulder by many designers. Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Proenza Schouler and J Mendel in favor of an off-the-shoulder look.
* Trouser suits follow the feminine, floaty theme with Asian fisherman style pants (Phillip Lim) and elegant flowing trousers. Some are influenced by the African safari, like Diane Von Furstenberg’s classic white ensemble.
* Transparency features heavily in many designer fabrics. Rodart’s delicate blue hues and Cloud Cover ruffle creation is floaty and feminine. J Mendels flowing silver grey one-shoulder drape enthuses elegance.
* Belts are everywhere, drawing attention to the waist.
* Accessorize with headscarves and hippie chick headbands. Safaris style white hats match the desert inspired look and large totes and oversized bags make a big fashion statement.

Colors

* Silver grey is the new black combined with muted neutrals and flesh tones.
* The Pantone Color Report for Spring 2008 demonstrates a long-awaited match of true Spring colors with Freesia (yellow), Spring Crocus (lilac hues) and pink undertones Pink Mist, Cantaloupe and Rococco Red.
* Red-hot color features heavily in Oscar De La Renta gowns, Zac Posen’s ruffle maxi, and the Marc Jacobs Lady in Red, belted shift. Ohne Titel’s flappy, flowing trouser suit enthuses energy and cheerfulness in its invigorating red.
* Greys and color-blocks are a season must-have to flatter the figure.

Prints

* Tropical flavors, big and bold as in Caronlena Herrara’s ruffle maxi or Diane von Furstenberg’s flowing green-floral print.
* Tribal Prints make a big comeback. Blacks and tans, as in Diane von Furstenberg’s strappy tunic dress or Oscar De La Renta’s Tribal puff ball mini. A few leopard prints are thrown in for good measure, following the tribal and jungle theme.

Along with next season’s long, floaty dresses, flowing fabrics and draping cuts these feminine creations should be taken-to-the-max with long hair, tousled and wind blown.