Loud & Clear: European Trend Report Fall ’17

Hop across the pond, and you won’t find a dull moment in next season’s fall fashion repertoire. European trade shows, including Playtime Paris, Pitti Immagine Bimbo, Bubble London and FIMI, were brimming with personality from exciting color treatments to eye-catching designs gleaned from the adult catwalks of late. “The ‘Gucci-fication’ of kids’ clothing was prevalent among designers, creating fanciful designs filled with opulent embroideries and deeper, richer hues on luxe materials,” reports Ania Witkowski, trend editor at Fashion Snoops. “We’re seeing a move away from Scandinavian minimalism toward more playful, decadent designs that update everyday pieces.”

Double Time

What’s black, white and rad all over? The graphic fall prints that prove two-tone is anything but boring. Collections like Barcarola and Tartaleta showcased a variety of black-and-white looks with bold stripes, polka dots, houndstooth and everything in between.  The versatile yet statement-making trend  also bodes well for transitional season wear —a buyer’s delight in today’s unpredictable climate.

Double Time: N+V, Barcarola

Star Struck

Looking back at the womenswear runways of 2016, high-shine finishes like metallic sequins, paillettes and mosaics of tiny mirrors gave the catwalk some intergalactic radiance that consequently has trickled down to the littler styles of late.  Labels like Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino, just to name a few, reflected this celestial trend for adults and now children’s designers have interpreted it with striking metallics, magnified star prints and touches of galaxy-inspired glitter.

Star Struck: CND by Cóndor

Tulle Takeover

Draped in magic and decorations borrowed from haute couture, European designers used  feminine fabrics like chiffon, organza, tulle and lace to make little dreams come true. “It’s a fantasy world filled with enchanted sparkle,” describes Raffaello Napoleone, CEO of Pitti Immagine. “Collections inspired by surreal nature allow for fantasy and creativity to blend into one.” 

Tulle Takeover: Lea Lelo, Oca-Loca

Garage Band

Leather, studs and appliqué details rocked the Euro fashion scene with a moto grunge vibe that continues to prevail in adult fashion. From chokers and combat boots to metallic hardware and graphic tees, designers sharpened their “edge” with  angsty accents that tweens in particular will love. 

Garage Band: Mayoral, Fun & Fun

Pop Art

The element of surprise was the name of the game for many European designers, drawing inspiration from contemporary pop art. This concept reigned in adult fashion the past few seasons but in a more risqué form (think: Alexander Wang’s exotic dancer sweatshirt or Moschino’s smoking lips print). For little ones, the European runways brought fun graphics of oversized telephones and fuzzy flower power for a refreshing dose of artsy pizzazz. 

Pop Art: Yclù, Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, Tuc Tuc

Fur Frenzy

Be it real or faux, just a touch of fur is enough to please come Fall ’17. From pompom beanies to detachable collars, kids only need
a hint of the evergreen trend to be cozy yet whimsical. Designers like Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein dabbled with fur in Fall ’16—and we’re not just talking boring brown-bear hues. Think eye-catching color like the candy pink fur jacket from J.Crew or elegant floral numbers from Michael Kors.

Fur Frenzy: José Varón