FALL FASHION 2004 TREND TALK

Colette Malouf

This season I selected a moody palette inspired by the colors of early 20th century modern art. After a year of candy brights, I think that this fall colors will be mixed - earthy darks and rich vegetable colors. My Pantone Colors are Bark, Mustard, Peacock, Plum and Pumpkin. I am inspired by a rush of bright colors that flooded the market after seasons of drabness. Politics influenced the desire to escape, which resulted in the bright color trend. Color is still important but will be translated from popular culture. Our world has become so information-driven and high pressured that there is a desire to slow down and remember what it was like without the automation. The Baby Boomers are a driving force in our culture and the nostalgia of their fondest memories is an important influence.

Bag by Kate Spade

Kate Spade

Chocolate, Fuchsia, Gray, Coral and Moss Green. I love the idea of deep brights worn with rich Chocolates and Charcoal Grays. I have always adored color and have incorporated it into all of my collections. As an accessories designer I have the option to use a lot of color in my bag and shoe collections. People are less nervous about wearing accent colors. This gives me the freedom to use even the boldest of colors.

Robert Burke Bergdorf Goodman

Fall 2004 is about rich colors and textured fabrics, both with an English influence - Dark Burgundies, Purples, golden colors and Browns, as well as textures like marls and tweeds.

Jacqui Lividini Saks Fifth Avenue

Color is extremely important for Fall 2004. With a more subdued palette than spring's, fall colors span icy pales to blackened and darkened jewel tones, with metallics and frosted colors, too. Fall fabrics are conducive to a more somber palette, yet there is still a lively and bright aspect to the colors for this season.

Joan Kaner Neiman Marcus

Fall 2004 colors range from Cream, Camel and Cognac to rich Chocolate Brown and Mahogany, with an abundance of Wine, Plum, Prune and Aubergine. So far I am seeing less green than I had expected, but green with a yellow cast, like Olive and Chartreuse, could still be important.

Sarah Easley Kirna Zabete

For Fall 2004 I forecast strong, solid colors in rich textures like velvet and tweed. Chocolate Brown, Navy and Charcoal Gray will be prominent. This bold mood will serve as a striking contrast to spring's romantic, floral silk, georgette prints. Romanticism continues for fall, but the citrus palette prints of this season will fade into muted tones.