-
Fashion neckwear—an easy way to update a wardrobe in down times—finished above plan for the year, much to the delight of retailers. Expect even more continued growth.
-
Scarves hit the mark particularly with new customers wearing scarves as fashion statements for the first time (namely junior customers), but scarves increased for all consumers.
-
“Neck-wrapping” became an important buzzword, particularly with novelty and woven scarves. Square scarves (40” x 40”) sold well when folded into triangles, while oblongs (20” x 80” or 40” x 80”) offered versatility.
-
Long, lightweight, loose-weave scarves became a year-round trend, even worn over tank tops for spring/summer (a hot LA trend). Chan Luu’s silk and cashmere version sold-out at $195. Ombre versions added a new twist, looking like two scarves wrapped together. Love Quotes’ Italian linen scarves with an inspirational quote (37” x 72” and about $88), are a celeb favorite and photographed everywhere.
-
Unique fashion styling and novelty textures and details were key, like a cashmere with leather fringe for example.
-
Even in coldweather months, non-coldweather scarves held strong, being worn inside by consumers inside and under coldweather neckwear.
-
The Middle Eastern-style “keffiyah” scarf was a hot fashion statement, particularly with juniors. From classic black and white to colored versions, all featured knotted fringe.
-
Square scarves (folded into triangles and wrapped with the point in the front) looked new again, while long scarves (wrapped loosely and dangled) showed up in a variety of new ways.
-
Fringe was a key ethnic detail, while chain dangles and metal coins were inspired by Balenciaga’s square styles on the runway.
-
Tie-dye captured spring/summer’s hippie trend.
-
The tubular “infinity scarf” (often shown in jersey) was a unique item that some stores were slow to maximize, but plan to increase for ’09.
-
The beach category continued to grow in the fashion accessories arena, with bold colorful preppy/St. Tropez tones to more tribal/ethnic prints.
-
For fall, there were lots of wraps, ponchos, ruanas and sweater wrappings. Crinkling, pleating and ruffling were also key for holiday details.
-
With global warming and uncertain weather patterns, ruanas have become a major part of the business—a growing and category every year. Particularly strong for 3rd Quarter, ruanas are a nice transition into coats for retailers. Jacquards and reversible styles over the customer interest and value.
-
Short, three-quarter sleeve jackets and sweaters became an important part of the business, from knits to coated canvases.
-
“Sex and the City” the movie, resurged attention to the soft flower pin, which is expected to pick up for 2009.
