Spring Fashions
Three Local Takes on the Latest
March is here and so are the latest Spring fashions. This season’s collections are hitting Gables stores now, so we asked a few of our favorite local boutiques just how they’re interpreting the new trends. I use the word trend cautiously here as it’s often mistaken for a “trendy” piece of clothing, but trend means change, and in fashion, change is a seasonal inevitability. A trend helps guide us to what’s currently relevant and in fashion, but not what’s necessarily stylish for all. The trend forecast is a culmination of present industry leaders’ visions – and the past. Fashion is cyclical, usually coming around again every 20 or 30 years. So, the next big thing is already ingrained in history.
Buying trendy clothes does not suggest buying wisely or smartly. It simply means buying popular pieces that we read about in magazines or see on Instagram. In order to be authentic, we need to adapt these seasonal trends to our existing wardrobes that complement our personal style. As the ultimate visionary and talent, Oscar de la Renta once said, “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.”
These are the “hot list” trends gracing the pages of magazines and the screens of social media influencers in recent months:
Bold Graphic Prints (Think ‘70s Vibe)
Flapper and Fringe
Volume in Pants and Jackets (again)
Shorts and Short Skirts
Black and White
Athletic Wear with a Colorful Twist
Showing Your Abs
We’re showcasing three different boutiques with different points of view, so the trends shown may differ from what you have seen on the runways. However, there will be commonalities in how retailers choose to incorporate this vision into either their design philosophy (like Filomena Fernandez) or their choice of multiple brands, with trends that complement their existing collections and customer base (like The Showroom and Aria Rose.)
Filomena Fernandez
At Filomena Fernandez (4217 Ponce de Leon Blvd), local designer Maritza Fernandez is showing designs in bold neon colors, retro prints, feathers, the puff sleeve and pant suits. Filomena is known for its mixing of prints, and its variety can make it a one-stop shop. They continue to carry basics all year round to pair back with seasonal collections. “We have a pair of pants that we have been selling for over 8 years,” says Maritza. “We change the fabrics, colors, and prints through the seasons but always stick to our signature style. If it fits so well why get rid of it? And you can never go wrong with a simple white button-down shirt; it should be a staple in every woman’s closet.”
The Showroom
At The Showroom (1401 Sunset Drive), known for its great basics and laid-back cool-girl style, clients will find a variety of sets this season that can be worn together or separately, and lots of little dresses in fun, bright colors and prints. The spring collection is perfect for day to night dressing, just by changing your shoes. Owner Marilyn Sanchez carries a great basic core collection of tees, button downs, and denim offered all year round that always work – no matter what trends come and go.
Aria Rose
Aria Rose (305 Palermo Ave.), known for its fun, flirty dresses and sets, whimsical prints, and a store with an incredible breadth of offerings, is incorporating almost all the must-have trends for clients – but in styles that are made for everyday life, not the runways. Owner Lauren Patao will carry bright bold prints, mod prints, blazer pant sets, lots of crochet, floral blazers, and pieces with pearl embellishments. “While we love our neutrals, and will continue to have them in our launches, Aria Rose will be bringing spring essentials that will make your wardrobe and your life much brighter,” says Patao.