Trend-Tastic with IADT’s Susan Wade at the InFashion Lounge The Trend-Tastic Fashion Show and lecture took place on Friday August 31, 2012 from 12 pm-2pm at the InFashion Lounge located on the seventh floor of the Water Tower Place. The featured speaker was IADT’s very own trend master and faculty/advisor Susan Wade. I guess you can say that I am somewhat bias towards Susan since I am one of her former students and graduates of IADT-Chicago, but I must give credit when credit is due. With her vast knowledge of fashion history and her unique ability to predict trends, she was the perfect host for this mid-day fashion show highlighting the top upcoming trends for Fall/Winter 2012.
The top 5 trends of the upcoming season that we will see in stores & on the Concrete Runway are:
Gold Metallics: remember this trend is not limited to just jewelry and handbags, but can be found in apparel as well. And when styled correctly can easily transition from day to night.
Leather: this classic material and fall favorite will not only be reserved for the typical jackets and pants, but as you will see it will be used in new ways such as full leather dresses, flouncy skirts, capes, and even tops.
Peplums: from skirts, to dresses, and even tops this trend is instantly becoming a fan favorite.
Peplums have even been added to belts. And for those who dare, do try a pop of color preferably in this season’s array of berry hues.
Masculine: this trend continues to gain momentum with updated versions ranging from equestrian to tuxedo. This look is perfect for work and even better for a night out on the town.
Python: from printed fabrics, to embossed leather pieces, and actual python pieces, which are considered investment pieces, this trend is sure to make this fall very exotic.
The pieces in the show were impeccably styled and showed you how to easily mix and max the various trends together or even add them to pieces already in your closet for an updated look.
After the show, I finally got the chance to sit down and chat with Susan about her key wardrobe pieces, her favorite designers that she looks to for inspiration each season, and of course what we can expect from the IADT IMAGINE Fashion Show.
M.Coleman: Being a woman of style, what is the one key piece that all women should have in their wardrobe?
Susan Wade: I feel the one key piece that every woman should have in their wardrobe is a black blazer that is tailored to perfection. This piece is universally flattering and comes in various silhouettes that can fit all body types.
M.Coleman: Which key designers, both classic and new, do you look to each season for the latest trends?
Susan Wade: My favorite or key designers that I look forward to each season include but are not limited to Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein, and Valentino.
These are classic designers that get it right each season because they understand how to make women feel confident just by wearing their garments, which is why their pieces are considered timeless. I also look to younger designers such as Christian Siriano because he is such an amazing talent; he always incorporates the latest trends in his collections, and of course to see how his collections evolve each season.
M. Coleman: Finally, what can we expect at this year’s IMAGINE Fashion Show? If you had to choose, which student designers really stand out this year?
Susan Wade: This show is always a major production and something to look forward to. In my opinion, all of the designers have an amazing talent and it’s great to see my students grow and evolve each year we put on this amazing and exciting production.
Remember the International Academy of Design and Technology annual IMAGINE Fashion Show will be held on Friday September 21, 2012 at the UIC Forum. Doors open at 7pm. Fashion Show starts at 8pm.
By
Malikha Coleman
Fall 2012 Contributor of CChicChicago
Photographs by Tian Yan
