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Fall 2006 Trends in the Footwear and Accessories Markets

Based on the stunning assortment and amazing variety of scarves, gloves, hats, bags, and accessories of all kinds which were on view at the recent Children's Club for Fall/Back-to-School 2006 (not to mention all manner of footwear and leg wear ranging from casual to dress up, classic to funky), all age groups will literally be able to put their best foot forward in the coming season.

The fact that the entire category of accessories has become a huge, popular, and lucrative part of the marketplace was more than evident to me as I walked the vast aisles lining Jacob Javits Convention Center (March 12-14) where this large and well attended show always takes place. It seemed that for every booth filled with items of clothing for newborns, toddlers, little girls and boys, and tweens, there were two or three (or four) that included or were devoted entirely to accessories of some sort (this is not a scientific mind you - just my impression).

And with the Children's Club falling as it did, just about one week after the conclusion of Paris fashion week, (formally ending the international round of womenswear ready to wear shows, which I cover in my capacity as editor in chief of www.lookonline.com, it presented an interesting perspective with which to view items for the (much) younger set. Particularly since the blurring of the lines between what is being presented for grownups and what is being proposed for babes and kids is a continuing and well documented trend and so many world famous design houses (such as Donna Karan, D&G, Louis Vuitton, Cacharel) are now doing accessory collections and shoes for the young. (It's worth noting that one of the only things that was a major trend at the ready to wear shows, that did not play out in terms of clothing type accessories at the New York show, was the dark, brooding color palette with its reliance on black (hardly surprising since newborns, toddlers, young kids, and tweens - AND more importantly, their parents - are traditionally attracted to happy, uplifting color. Although, in terms of footwear, the colors that were cited by exhibitors as being the MOST popular, were chocolate brown, hot pink, and black).

And interestingly, based on all the cocoon-like layers proposed for the grown up set; warm, woolly, cuddly coats, knitwear, outerwear; oversized hats and fur trimmed pieces, (which were shown last month in New York, London, Milan, and Paris) it seems that the designers collectively wanted their chic adult customers to feel warm, fuzzy, and protected against the hostile world environment and channel their inner child by symbolically going back to the womb. Hmmm, talk about role reversal!

But there were far more similarities than differences. So, what stood out from that vantage point? Well, for one thing - on recent runways, boots were THE STORY and here at the Javits Center, everywhere I looked there were boots, boots, and more boots (short boots, tall boots, and everything in between, as well as many that were Western inspired, a huge trend as well).

There was also a mind defying number of sporty, athletic, lugged sole techno-shoes and sneakers that appear to be feats of engineering, technology, and applied science. In addition, very grown up and couture like details (embroidery, beading, patchwork) were on view in every age and size range from newborn and up. And because in many cases, a large preteen size could easily be worn by a woman with a small foot, there is truly much overlapping.

What other trends seen here at the Children's Club, were also spotted on international runways earlier this past month? Patterned tights, knee highs, and opaque hose, textured leg warmers (yes, it's all about the 'well dressed' leg); cozy, comfy hand knits (it seems that everywhere I looked there were colorful, whimsical hand knitted scarves, hats, mittens, gloves); capes, which have made a comeback of sorts on international runways and were presented by several exhibitors - for babies and little girls, many with coordinating hats and gloves. This not only makes a fashion statement, but provides warmth and protection. And let's not forget about bags - a widely popular area for all ages, and since this is back-to-school time, what better time to find that all important school book bag or lunch box bag? How about one that has its own chalkboard to write on?

Of course, accessories are such a large category and not all accessories are fashion related - some are used for home décor - and this group was also well represented at the Children's Club where plenty of exhibitors' booths were filled with chandeliers, lighting fixtures, lampshades, and mobiles. Many of which would not only look great in a child's room or nursery (and help entertain or put the little ones to sleep), but would also work in many other places.

And then there is that classification of accessories that is not necessarily about fashion or about home décor, but more about smart, innovative, well thought out design - items that are born from need (as they say, "necessity is the mother of invention", though often, the inventors are not moms at all but grandmas, dads, friends, or simply interested bystanders). Those items that caught my eye in this category stood out not only because they were attractive, graphic and creatively displayed, but because they also performed a much needed function and aided both parent and child. In other words - they actually DID something good in addition to looking good.

It is precisely this ongoing trend toward innovative application of technology, science, and problem solving skills to all areas of design that I observed across the board, and which served as the common denominator that helped distinguish the best from the rest.

 

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