Oh, Shop It: Talking Fall Trends in the Dog Days of Summer

The great Yves Saint Laurent once said "Fashions fade, style is eternal," and I think that's what makes fashion so great. Trends come and go, different garments become a little more fresh as the seasons change and it's what keeps the world turning (well, the fashion world, at least). Neiman Marcus hosted a Trend Event to tell us all about Fall 2015's trends, and the best part about all of the trends is that not only can you wear the trends on its own, you can mix and match them with the other major fall trends. Enough of the talking, let's get to the clothes!

Red
The Red trend is not just oxblood -- wearing one red is so two seasons ago -- it's everything from bright, siren red to full-bodied Bordeaux's. Enhance your look by layering the red's together, to take your outfit to the next level. Don't forget to add a little texture to your reds and incorporate other fall trends like Fun Fur.

Fun Fur 
Fur has become the new leopard print, so that means it's almost a neutral, which means you're going to want to wear more of it a lot more often. Whether it's real or faux, you'll see a ton of it this fall, and it can be worn as a statement piece like the fur vest above, or to accessorize an outfit, like the fun blue dress with matching coat.

The Saddle Bag 
If you're looking for a fresh bag option in the next couple of months, try out the Saddle Bag. It's great for a night out worn over the shoulder, or during the day worn as a crossbody. And since many designers are doing great saddle bags, you'll have no trouble finding something that fits in perfectly with your wardrobe.

Winter White 
It's a classic winter trend, and we're so happy it's back! Like red, a full-on monochromatic white can do wonders for an outfit. It's a chic look and super versatile - I mean, what doesn't go with white? You will look dreamy, and your outfit will match the season well.

Folklorica
We saved the best for last with the Folklorica trend that is a new way to do bohemian in the winter. It's full of layers (great for keeping warm), capes (perfect for throwing over layers), fringe (great accents for all of your layers), and flared pants (well, a flared leg is just fun). Artisanal details, embroidery, romantic ruffles, velvet and more are ALL featured in this extremely stylish trend.

On the Town: Art of Detroit is Back at Saks

Artwork by Andrea Del Rio, CCS '15
"Sassy"
Watercolor, glitter, transparency print and resin

Celebrate the city and the surrounding suburbs with the 2^nd Annual Art of Detroit from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 21 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Guests are encouraged to “travel the M-1 Rail” through the store to enjoy food from local restaurants, sip on custom cocktails and view original artwork by students and graduates of College for Creative Studies.

“Things are getting bigger and better - in the city, and with our event,” said Saks Fifth Avenue Marketing Director Maureen Conway. “We’re embracing the opportunity to showcase all that Detroit has to offer – from our generous restaurant partners, to the amazing student artists – we truly aim to create an environment that blends all things Detroit, in a way that can be appreciated in an abstract fashion.”  

Café ML, 220, Townhouse, Imerman Cake Company, Rock City Eatery, Atwater Brewery, London Chop House and more local favorites will provide food stations and custom cocktails. Jared Sykes and CCS graduate Ben Sharkey and will provide entertainment and music for the evening, while attendees can browse exclusive designer trunk shows featuring fine and fashion jewelry, clothing and accessories.

Tickets for the event are $75, and include chances to win a number of luxury giveaways, luxury gift baskets, fashion accessories and other items. Visit the College for CreativeStudies website, or call 313.664.7464 to purchase tickets.

On The Town: Learn How to Make Your Mark at Fashion 411

Image from Deanna Swishser

The Runway started its Fashion 411 Legal Series to prepare and educate startups, not only in the fashion industry, but also in any industry; and it's back this Tuesday with attorney Deanna Swisher. Come out to The Runway from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 to learn how to make your mark and to protect your brand legally.

Deanna Swisher, attorney at Foster, Swift, will talk about protecting your brand with a trademark, when DIY is a good idea and knowing when you’ll need an attorney. This speaker series has a roundtable format that is on the casual side of things to encourage discussion and questions, so if you have any questions rolling around in your head, you’ll want to write them down before you get there.

Limited seating is available, so register at www.runwayfashion411legal.eventbrite.com.

The Runway is located at 300 S Washington Sq., Suite 100, in Lansing.

On The Town: WALK Fashion Back for Its 11th Show

If you need a fashion fix and you've been dying to explore Detroit's fashion scene, this is the weekend to do it. WALK Fashion Show, founded in 2009 by Daishawn and Crystal Bailey, is back from 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday, May 30 at the Garden Theatre, and it is a FULL DAY of fashionable fun. Also, a great excuse to dress in your chic-est outfit and show it off to the community, because if no one saw the outfit, it didn't happen. Am I right? 

The show begins with the Emerging Designer Showcase at 3 p.m. and will feature designers Noir Hart, Kamiki Ayo, GD Designs, Homage Holders, Heir Majesty, Max Marie and many more. Tickets for the general admission is $25, while VIP is $35 for the Emerging Designer Showcase. Following the first show is the Independent Designer Showcase featuring The Paper Dress Code by Matthew Richmond, Chasing Gold, Negash, Lady Liberty, Greg Gaten Taylor, Dana Keaton Collection and more. Tickets for this show range from $35 to $75, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the pre-show reception. Immediately following the last show is a Red Carpet Gala from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Garden Theatre.

If you’re interested in getting to know the WALK family and getting a head start on celebrating local fashion, head down to the Bosco Lounge in Ferndale for the pre-show party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday, May 28. Throw back a few cocktails, network with other fashionistas and meet everyone involved in making WALK what it is. While you’re there, enter the raffle to win a pair of VIP Runway tickets to WALK Fashion Show this Saturday.

For more information about the show, visit www.walkfashionshow.com or call 313.799.2556. To purchase tickets, click over to Eventbrite. 

On The Town: Renowned Fashion and Accessories Designer Gives Free Lecture in Detroit

We all know College for Creative Studies has recently introduced its Fashion Accessories Design program in partnership with Shinola. In anticipation of the program kicking off in the fall, CCS is hosting an exciting and free lecture with renowned fashion accessories and footwear designer Aki Choklat at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.

Aki holds an impressive resume, starting with receiving his Master’s degree from the Royal College of Art in London and now shares his life between London and Florence. Working at all levels of the fashion industry from design to production and his schooling has prepared him for designing his eponymous label, and also as a Design Consultant for various international brands. Currently, Aki is the Creative Director for London-based trend agency trendstop.com, and is the author of many design books. A multidisciplinary approach to learning that incorporates creativity, academics and inspiration from daily life is something in which Aki believes and practices.

During the lecture, Aki will share inspiring design stories from his travels across the world and discuss his perspective on craft, luxury and design. His academic works have spanned from design lecturer roles at the D Montfort University, Cordwainers and London College of Fashion, to his most recent academic roles as a course leader in Florence. Fortunately for Detroit, he has flown across the pond to come to CCS and share his knowledge and experiences with us.

The lecture is held at CCS’s Wenell W. Anderson Jr. Auditorium in the Walter B. Ford II Building at 201 E. Kirby, in Detroit. Again, the lecture is free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged. 

On The Town: It was Light and Bright at the Mixed Media Spring Trend Event

The Mixed Media Trend events at Neiman Marcus are always a delight, and yesterday’s event was like a little spring vacation from the bitter, winter weather. The trends filed out and the mental note taking began as I started my spring shopping list in my head.

The New Bohemian was the first trend, and the colors were amazing. The spice category was the major theme for this trend, so think cyan, paprika and sage. The outfits were free spirited; a long maxi dress was styled with a fringe vest and the other outfit had a loose tunic over wide-leg jeans. Both outfits were layered with big, bright jewelry and fun sunglasses.

Another great trend was On The White Side. It had shades from bright white to grainy beige, and the different shades were mixed in each outfit. The Everything Fringe, Sleeveless Jackets and Bucket Bag trends were sprinkled in each look to really show the versatility of the trends.

As for the men, sneakers, sportswear and mixing, but not matching were huge. Printed blazers were styled with patterned button downs and pulled together with sneakers to give men a look like they got dressed in the dark, and really worked it.

Overall, it all of the looks were fun – exactly how spring dressing should be after a long and cold winter. For a more information about the different spring trends, or to see them for yourself, stop by the Neiman Marcus in Troy.