Who sets the trends?
Jan 15, 2009
I believe in personal image and individuality, so I prefer that people make their own trends.
Carol Kezaabu explores the fashion trends on the international scene and speaks to top fashion designers about who sets the trends and what is in vogue
Xenson Ssenkaaba, fashion designer and artist
I believe in personal image and individuality, so I prefer that people make their own trends.
Trends should be set according to the environment we live in.
People who consult with local designers to create outfits that blend culture with values are trendier than those who wear what they see in the music videos and movies.
Given the economic crisis, few people are likely to embrace the fashion trends, but many will wear airy clothing due to the hot weather.
The men are likely to wear casual clothing and moccasins.
African print and tie-and-dye as well as hand-printed fabrics are also stylish. Eco-fashion (clothing that uses environmentally sensitive fabrics) is trendy.
Brenda Maraka, fashion designer
Looking at international trends and what people are ordering, knee-length dresses are in vogue. The high-waist trousers have returned with a bang. Flare-bottom trousers and bright-coloured jeans are trendy.
Latif Kasumba
Bright colours, big belts and bags with a shade of silver and gold are in vogue. Black leggings with a bit of lace are also trendy, while men’s baggy clothes are also in vogue.
Fashion trends on the international scene
Much as the local fashion industry is gaining momentum, fashion on the international catwalks still dominates. It also usually predicts the trends from which most local fashion designers get inspiration.
According to Men’s Style.com, sleek silk is in vogue. This year, shirts are likely to be softer; pants sloppier and distinctly Asian in style. The colours are likely to reflect tastes of the rich.
Suit jackets will be worn shorter (waist level), with the main features being broad shoulders, a small waist and slim trousers. Wide stripes for suits are in vogue.
Jackets and wind-breakers will adopt a biker style. Accessories like shoes and belts will be influenced by various animal skins.
Scarves are expected to take over belts. Jeans will come in shades of gray, black or dark indigo and paired with sweaters or shirts with geometric patterns.
We are likely to see an elongated silhouette with extra long slim-fit jeans that fold up around the ankle.
Deep V-neck tops will also make a mark in men’s fashion.
Sheer fabric and fringed outfit is back as one of the hottest fashion trends for women in 2009.
Other women’s trends on the international scene include jewel-encrusted tops, the fairy-tale princess dress and ripped or torn jeans.
The onset of the credit crunch has coincided with the re-emergence of clothing that covers up.
From Hollywood stars to footballers’ wives, the floor-sweeping maxi dress and full-length skirt has become the uniform.
Fashion experts believe the trend, which started on the catwalks and has now reached the high street, strengthens the theory that these times mean higher hemlines, while the tightening of belts sends skirts to the floor.
In fashion history, the correlation between the skirt length and financial markets is striking.
Additional reporting from the Telegraph UK
Xenson Ssenkaaba, fashion designer and artist
I believe in personal image and individuality, so I prefer that people make their own trends.
Trends should be set according to the environment we live in.
People who consult with local designers to create outfits that blend culture with values are trendier than those who wear what they see in the music videos and movies.
Given the economic crisis, few people are likely to embrace the fashion trends, but many will wear airy clothing due to the hot weather.
The men are likely to wear casual clothing and moccasins.
African print and tie-and-dye as well as hand-printed fabrics are also stylish. Eco-fashion (clothing that uses environmentally sensitive fabrics) is trendy.
Brenda Maraka, fashion designer
Looking at international trends and what people are ordering, knee-length dresses are in vogue. The high-waist trousers have returned with a bang. Flare-bottom trousers and bright-coloured jeans are trendy.
Latif Kasumba
Bright colours, big belts and bags with a shade of silver and gold are in vogue. Black leggings with a bit of lace are also trendy, while men’s baggy clothes are also in vogue.
Fashion trends on the international scene
Much as the local fashion industry is gaining momentum, fashion on the international catwalks still dominates. It also usually predicts the trends from which most local fashion designers get inspiration.
According to Men’s Style.com, sleek silk is in vogue. This year, shirts are likely to be softer; pants sloppier and distinctly Asian in style. The colours are likely to reflect tastes of the rich.
Suit jackets will be worn shorter (waist level), with the main features being broad shoulders, a small waist and slim trousers. Wide stripes for suits are in vogue.
Jackets and wind-breakers will adopt a biker style. Accessories like shoes and belts will be influenced by various animal skins.
Scarves are expected to take over belts. Jeans will come in shades of gray, black or dark indigo and paired with sweaters or shirts with geometric patterns.
We are likely to see an elongated silhouette with extra long slim-fit jeans that fold up around the ankle.
Deep V-neck tops will also make a mark in men’s fashion.
Sheer fabric and fringed outfit is back as one of the hottest fashion trends for women in 2009.
Other women’s trends on the international scene include jewel-encrusted tops, the fairy-tale princess dress and ripped or torn jeans.
The onset of the credit crunch has coincided with the re-emergence of clothing that covers up.
From Hollywood stars to footballers’ wives, the floor-sweeping maxi dress and full-length skirt has become the uniform.
Fashion experts believe the trend, which started on the catwalks and has now reached the high street, strengthens the theory that these times mean higher hemlines, while the tightening of belts sends skirts to the floor.
In fashion history, the correlation between the skirt length and financial markets is striking.
Additional reporting from the Telegraph UK