The derby may be a man's game, or at least it was in its heyday, with the women simply sitting and watching in their Sunday best, but the First Rite Fall 2012 collection gives such womenswear a modern androgynous twist. In place of stunning gowns and sculptural hats, this collection features streamlined skirts, tailored jackets and collared shirts.
Put together by Mission-based designer Nikki Garcia, the First Rite Fall 2012 collection is clean and simple. Garcia writes, "I looked to traditional menswear and pulled from the classic styles of gauchos, matadors, and equestrians to create a collection that combines trousers, shirting, and ties in more modern and feminine silhouettes." By concentrating on the quality of cuts and materials used, she manages to give these practical outfits some pizazz.
Androgynous Derby Fashion
The First Rite Fall 2012 Collection is Inspired by Gentlemen's Sports
Trend Themes
1. Androgynous Fashion - Designers are creating gender-neutral clothing lines that blur the line between what is traditionally considered 'masculine' and 'feminine', creating an opportunity for further market growth and exploration.
2. Sports-inspired Clothing - Fashion is taking inspiration from traditional sports and athletic wear, creating an opportunity for companies to tap into a market that bridges the gap between function and fashion.
3. Modernizing Classic Styles - There is a trend towards taking traditional styles and updating them with modern materials, cuts, and twists, allowing businesses to tap into a classic aesthetic while still maintaining a modern approach to design.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of gender-neutral clothing lines to appeal to a wider audience and create new market opportunities.
2. Sports/athletic Wear Industry - The sports/athletic wear industry can diversify its offerings by incorporating the fashion element into their products, giving consumers a unique balance between style and functionality.
3. Luxury Clothing Industry - The luxury clothing industry can explore the trend of modernizing classic styles to create new, high-end fashion lines that merge the past with the present.