Spring must-have: the denim jacket

While I was out doing What's in Store in Los Angeles this week, it was obvious that the denim jacket is a key piece for spring. Seen photographed above at H&M, Gap and Urban Outfitters, the denim jacket is the perfect topper for LA's brisk spring nights. The piece is also an affordable, commercial way for women to recreate spring's popular all-over-denim trend, seen on the runway at Ralph Lauren Collection, Chloe and Twenty8Twelve.

Spring leathers

ltr: Dolce and Gabbana; Theory; Saks Fifth Avenue

After a fall/winter season bombarded with black leathers – from motorcycle jackets and leggings on the runways to mini shorts and DIY patchwork on the streets, the leathers for spring are just as many but rethought.

Lighter colors and softer materials (think nappa and soft suede) compliments the romantic and earthy looks of the season. Although black continues to be the leader with punk influences and “all black everything” styling, those opting for something lighter for spring can be sure to find other variations as most brands had this item in their windows last month.

ltr: Saks Fifth Avenue; Roberto Cavalli; Scoop

Sleek fits, soft looks and crinkled leathers could be seen in evening styling and jackets with Navajo detailing paired with more casual looks. Other popular details include heavy cross stitching, ruffles and color blocking patches. For more, have a look at the full New York What’s in Store report for April which is now live on wgsn.com.

Highpoint Market

I just came back from Highpoint Market, the largest furniture show with 2000 exhibitors spanning over 180 buildings in the High Point area in North Carolina.

ltr: WGSN street shots from Highpoint Market

Although Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull kept many international editors and exhibitors oversees, the number of attendees at Highpoint Market exceeded all expectations with more registrants over the opening weekend than during the past three shows. Kimberley Wray, a Market representative describes the buyers as “surprisingly optimistic” and Brian D. Casey, also a Market representative continues by saying; “Buyers are now open to new commerce. They are preparing for the turn in the economy and brands are responding by freshening up their products."

ltr: Design Legacy by Kelly O'Neal; Design Legacy by Kelly O'Neal; Halo Styles

I noticed an increasing interest in high quality items and local production this season. Brian D. Casey confirms by saying that “this is a counter reaction to the mass productions and low prices that has been the main focus these past years. Consumers are tired of this and are now looking for long-term investments and they are willing to pay a little more for that.”

Among trends such as rough materials (think denim and linens for upholstery), untreated woods and “green” products, I loved the way many brands chose to bring in vintage home accessory pieces to revamp their look. Instead of doing branded replicas, they are now going for the real thing. Two brands who stood out doing this were Design Legacy by Kelly O'Neal and Halo Styles.

Coachella florals

This year, Coachella's sold out music festival drew a record number of music-loving trendsetters to the desert. Bands included Muse, Gorillaz and Jay-Z, the first ever hip-hop headlining act at Coachella.

Of all the many trends spotted at the festival, the most noticeable was the floral print item. Floral-anything was in for guys and girls. On playsuits, dresses, tops, shorts, denim and guys' Hawaiian shirts and boardshorts - the uniquitous floral print defined the Coachella 2010 look.

For more on Coachella fashion, check out WGSN later next week for our full street coverage of apparel, accessory and denim trends.

WGSN takes part in FGI-LA's seasonal trend report

If you're in LA this week, don't miss my presentation on emerging trends in womenswear at FGI-LA's seasonal trend event.

I will be focusing on key trends for Fall/Winter 10/11; what's commercial, what works for different categories and markets and how to develop these themes for your brand.

I'll also be taking a look at some of the trends we're working on for Spring 11, so you can get a jump on what's next.

To register, click here.

Shearling for fall at J Crew

J Crew showed its fall 2010 collection yesterday, the theme cheerfully described by creative director Jenna Lyons as "Edie Beale goes to Girl Scout camp." There were plenty of heritage looks with eccentric details, but it's the brand's many shearling coats and vests in particular that we're certain will just fly off the racks -- a perfect update for fall.

J Crew fall 2010

Levi's thinking about customization

Levi's hosted a fall 2010 press preview last night, introducing altogether new fits with its upcoming Boyfriend collection for women. What really caught our eye was not the nicely styled, workwear-themed men's line or even One Eskimo, the band hired to play, but a series of artfully customized jackets exhibited in glass cases.



According to creative concept manager Jay Carroll (ex Rogues Gallery), Levi's is working to make customization options possible in stores, and also wants to begin encouraging customers to create their own designs at home; hence, the paint-splattered jacket.



With that in mind, New Yorkers can look forward to a new retail concept from Levi's to open in the Meatpacking District later this year.