Back to the Future

You've seen all the catwalk shows, you've read the magazines, you've even spotted a trend or two on the high street... but you're still not clear on what 2008 holds for your wardrobe. Luckily, TFFF has gazed into its crystal ball (it's big and shiny and fabulous! -- we're thinking of having it set into platinum, wearing it on our ring finger, and pretending we're engaged to.. I dunno, someone fashionable), and possibly we also interviewed Dawn Pedersen, the Creative Director of trend-spotting company TRENDZINE, to let our readers know what the future holds...

The lovely Dawn was in Milan -- working on trends for S/S '09! -- at the time of the interview, so we're talking staccato keywords rather than in-depth answers, but we hope this helps in planning your shopping in this, the last year to end in an '08' in the first decade of this century.

Keywords for 2008

Transparency (lighter fabrics, look out for the new sheer cropped pants layered under dresses set to take over from leggings). Clean lines (split-level layering less decoration and more focus on fabric quality). New softer trousers (this season's jodhpur shape morphs into a softer ethnic pant for summer). Lux sportswear in fabulous fabrics for any occasion. Consumers will slowly edge out of 'it bag' mode and move towards other luxuries, i.e. expensive watches and jewellery will gain ground.

Length

Extremes will be the hottest news from daring cocktail shorts to midi and long length dresses.

Shape

The waist continues to be a focal point but generally clothes follow a slim straight silhouette.

Colour

Expect the unexpected; darker than usual in summer and pastels in winter. Mixtures of neutrals and flashes of brights.

Prints

Lots of floral patterns especially on lighter sheer fabrics. Fantasy style prints (take over from gothic symbols)

Fast versus Ethical Fashion

Fast fashion -- there's always room for fast fashion stores that supply cheap, trend-led clothing. The media attention surrounding eco-fashion was big last year and the interest should continue. Consumers are in the driving seat and will make the biggest difference. Designers mustn't rely on the 'Eco' tag and make design the primary consideration to attract more consumers.

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Don't forget to scroll down to my Heels.com post, where you can save 10% off shoes, exclusively to TFFF, until the end of January -- only 17 days left!