The A.P.C. Fall 2014 RTW collection has a good girl quality about it. The fact that the silhouettes are relatively loose, the lengths proper and the collars all buttoned up, it is hard not to think of young school girls when looking at each outfit. It is only natural, then, that the designs were inspired by French jeunes filles, whom designer Jean Touitou fell in love with when moving to France from Tunisia.
Full of printed blouses, shirtwaist dresses and trench coats, the outfits that make up the A.P.C. Fall 2014 RTW collection could easily be mistaken for uniforms. As casual as they are classy, Touitou observes, "Everyone else is doing couture; I prefer something more easy." Laid-back yet put-together, the looks are what every girl needs.
Feminine Collegiate Fashion
The A.P.C. Fall 2014 RTW Line is Inspired by French Jeunes Filles
Trend Themes
1. Collegiate-inspired Fashion - Opportunities exist for brands to produce more casual, everyday clothing with a preppy or schoolgirl vibe.
2. Loose Silhouettes - Designers can experiment with looser, relaxed fits in women's clothing for a comfortable yet fashionable look.
3. Printed Blouses - There is potential for brands to play with prints and patterns in professional and semi-formal wear to add a touch of personality and style.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Apparel - Retailers can leverage the popularity of collegiate-inspired fashion to create unique, preppy clothing lines for young women.
2. Retail - Online and brick-and-mortar retailers can capitalize on the trend of loose silhouettes and printed blouses by stocking up on inventory that appeals to women of all ages.
3. Textile Manufacturing - Companies that specialize in printing fabrics or creating bespoke designs have the opportunity to partner with fashion brands to produce unique, eye-catching prints for blouses and dresses.