I have been in deep thought lately about the future of fashion during this demanding time and how it relates to the designer. Stores and customers are really demanding two entirely different things from designers right now. Stores want to play it safe and offer good quality saleable items. Whereas the customer wants more than ever something new; something that gives them a reason buy. I think it’s very interesting to see the amount of creativity that has come out from the shows from this past Spring going into Fall. I am seeing three distinct trends: The true artist, structure unfolded, and return to the 80s. Today’s trend report will focus on the first.

Many designers are going back to their true core as artist and serving up some great fantastical items in both clothing and accessories. When I talk about artful designs I am talking specifically about garments that are either hand painted or designed to supersede trends. A walking form of art never goes out of style because it never was a trend to begin with. It is simply art.

Some of my faartists from the past you might think of are Emilio Pucci, Todd Odham, Marni, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Moschino.

The garments shown here from left: Emilio Pucci dress from 1960s, $425 from PoshGirl Vintage.com. Top right: Versace dress from 1980s $6000 from The Way We Wore sold on 1stdibs.com. Btm right: Therry Mugler rainbow dress from 1990, from The Way We Wore sold on 1stdibs.com.