International Women’s day may or may not have passed you by. For me, it was a little like Shrove Tuesday – I knew pancake day was coming, and had every intention of doing something for it, however before I had time to whip up my batter it had come and gone. Nevertheless, it’s never too late to get on board. Since the premise of this day is to celebrate womanhood in whatever form you think best, for those who love fashion, what better way than to mark its significance every day through your wardrobe?

 

While we slowly edge into the new season, it’s a great time of year to take an overview of what the International Designers have mapped out for 2020. In some ways here in the Southern hemisphere we have a slight edge, because the Fashion Shows dictating the Northern Hemispheres autumn/winter 2020/21 trends are taking place right now. So, from the catwalks of New York to London to Milan, the fashion forecast is available, and ready for us to take inspiration from to ensure we start our autumn in style.

The latest collections have dropped in store, and to celebrate the occasion Wendys hosted its Grand Opening on Monday  (while Tilda will be flinging its doors open and revealing rail upon rail of new season fashion Monday 17th). Coinciding with the Oscars, for the fashionista it was the perfect day on the style calendar. While Hollywood brought us a snapshot of aspirational haute couture and an overview of some of the trending styles, here in Tauranga, Wendys opening was also one filled with inspiration and dazzling fashion options. The day was bright and sunny, and within the store there were shimmering silks, smooth knit wools and jacquards…a cacophony of colour and texture. Ok so we may not be in LA, but we can still dress like A-listers.

Ok, so a rodent doesn’t necessarily scream glamour, however the Chinese Lunar New Year is cause for huge celebrations. On 25^th January the Year Of The Rat was welcomed with fanfare, and parties to mark this will continue for just over a fortnight, finishing with the Lantern Festival on February 8th. During this time Chinese communities across the world will be decorating their homes, throwing parades and generally kicking up their heels as they wish for a happy and prosperous year ahead. A symbol of renewal, wealth and surplus, while the rat is perhaps not the chicest of creatures, the colour code is lucky red, gold, and of course just a dash of super glam.

We live in a world that is as unpredictable as it is exciting. There are the vagaries of the summer weather – which so far have called for linen one minute, leather the next. And unless you’ve been under a rock for the last few days, you’ll have heard of the mayhem caused by the flick-flaking royals Harry and Meghan – surely unpredictability at its best. In amongst this roller coaster start to 2020, fashion has raised its head as the beacon of consistency; which for those who want to shop the designer sales in style, is good news indeed.

 

Pantone – the ‘colour partner’ company powerhouse - has just announced its Pantone Color Of The Year for 2020. Over the last 20 years the tradition of naming an annual colour has become an increasingly influential moment in not just interior design but also fashion, and the big reveal is awaited by many in creative industries with bated breath. The start of a new decade holds the fizz of anticipation, so the kudos for the 2020 colour is even more heightened. For those who don’t already know the colour palette has recently been announced as…ta daaa…Classic Blue. Noted as ‘a timeless and enduring blue hue elegant in its simplicity’ this shade was greeted with fanfare and popping corks by designers everywhere.

With December in full swing there’s no doubt that it’s all about the festive Christmas functions. Whether it be work drinks, family gatherings or just general social shenanigans, at this time of year we’re all on the holy grail to find that perfect outfit that will not just wow, but allow us to celebrate the year gone by and embrace the glory of the one that is about to begin.

Red carpet awards are always a bit of a crystal ball fashion moment. For fashionistas waiting in the wings, it’s a chance to revel in the top looks of the moment, but also to try to predict the direction the wave that mainstream fashion will take us in. The London Fashion Awards are a celebration of all things creative and innovative. And you can bet your bottom dollar that this is definitely an occasion for which the guests would have donned their most fashion forward look. 

With spring just getting into its stride it’s the ideal time to make that all important wardrobe choice for the coming months. Whether you’re going to be hunting for an outfit to wear to the races, a dress to dazzle in at a summer wedding, or just a really lovely piece of event wear, now’s the time to start the search.