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IF women are sceptical that they will be wearing a frothy shirt of lace beneath a tailored pantsuit or shoes trimmed with feathers this autumn, they shouldn't be, writes Jamie Stengle.
Fashion forcaster Ken Downing says the call is out for pantsuits, capes, fur, lace and, oh yes, feathers.
Mr Downing, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus' fashion director, has been digesting designer offerings from New York, London, Paris and Milan to come up with a list of trends sure to get people running to the mall.
"I create the attitude and the message and the mood of the season that the company will be following," he said.
His fashion forecast is then integrated into absolutely everything from the company's marketing message, to what buyers look for and even how mannequins are dressed.
To create that trend list, Mr Downing watches for recurring themes at fashion shows around the globe. Then he checks out whether designers are producing enough of those trendy items he has honed in on to fill store racks.
"We discuss if we have the critical mass to make these bold predictions," he said. For instance, "If we believe in green, we need to have green everywhere."
Boots of all heights are also in the forecast, he predicted. And, a structured handbag is a must, not to mention pearls, 'ropes and ropes' of them.
Besides hitting all the fashion shows, Mr Downing travels to stores across the world to talk to customers and get comments on what they like to wear.
With the advent of fashion shows being broadcast on Style.com, he says he sometimes gets input from customers, who email to tell him what catches their eye.
Downing claims he is always on the lookout for items a woman does not have already in her wardrobe.
