Is Meredith Grey going to survive? That might be the question on everyone's mind today as we all anxiously await the answer in tomorrow's episode of "Grey's Anatomy." However, that's not the only gray that's being talked about this week! After the hottest trends for fall 2007 hit the runway during New York Fashion Week, it was easy to see next fall should be a very different — and very gray season. But as we've seen, being gray isn't always a bad thing. In fact, the house of Calvin Klein created 52 different shades to represent the diversity of the color in everything from pale to pewter.
Fall might still be two seasons away — and I know that none of you are in a rush to get back into the chilly seasons (trust me, I understand), but it's always good to plan ahead. In this case, before you start getting rid of your cold-weather clothing (I know, I know, 30 degrees does feel a lot warmer), you should really consider keeping a few key pieces. While I did say that this next fall was going to be very new and different, make sure you hold on to anything patent, butter soft and quilted leather, as well as anything metallic, structured and gray.
Now as for what to expect, think body-conscious. Structured silhouettes aren't going away — they're just loosening up a bit to let the feminine figure show through. While the styles might appear colder, almost futuristic and less feminine, designers have been careful to make sure that the appearance of a woman shows through. Usually a warm palette can be expected for fall, but this season it did not appear to be the case. More navies, blacks, charcoals and browns were seen strutting down the catwalk — displayed in an array of mod-prints and masculine styles. It seems that designers were trying to portray a very different type of woman: a strong, bold, serious and confident one who still possessed the air of mystery that kept her sexy.
It appears that the tie between primetime television and runway designs is more than just a coincidental play on words. While it is barely noticeable to the public (although acknowledged by those who study media), women in television are adapting more serious roles. Fashion has always taken cues from the media, and if the No. 1 show on television has women playing the role of doctors, you have to wonder if the connection is more than just a coincidence. Just as "Grey's Anatomy" has successfully been able to portray a hard-working, smart, and serious woman who still lets her femininity and heart show through, this season's collections have also captured and embodied a very similar woman.
The idea of this serious, working woman was also shown through the makeup and hair that appeared the show's models. Hair was pulled back, blunt, and uncomplicated. Similarly, makeup was fresh, natural and very bare. Mascara did not appear on the batted eyelashes and lips were very pale. Purity was the key component in the feeling the makeup was trying to convey. It gave the models a very modern, contoured, almost drawn feel.
In fact, especially in the Marc Jacobs show, it seemed as though the models represented cutout paper dolls — very sturdy with strong frames.
As the shows came to a close, the designers took their final bow, and as the applause died away, we were left with the predictions for a season to come. While we all have a good idea of what to expect and feel in our hearts that our predictions are correct, there is no way to tell for sure until we get through these next two — thankfully warmer — seasons.
Until then we are only left with two simple questions. First, will what appears in magazines and on the racks be what we saw at fashion week? And secondly, is gray going to survive?
Sydney Burdick is a freshman intending to major in fashion journalism. Direct your fashion questions or comments to [email protected].
