12 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2012

I can't believe 2012 is almost upon us.  OK -in all honesty - I tend to skip over years and am already writing 2013 on some of my checks by accident.  It's not that I am not excited about 2012, it's just that working on a wholesale schedule means I've been looking at 2012 for the past year and am already starting work on 2013.

Trendwatching.com does a great job analyzing consumer trends and they've released their report for 2012 - want to know what to be on the watch for?

1. Red Carpet
2. DIY Health
3. Dealer-Chic
4. Eco-Cycology
5. Cash-less
6. Bottom of the Urban Pyramid
7. IdleSourcing
8. Flawsome
9. Screen Culture
10. Re-commerce
11. Emerging Maturalism
12. Point & Know

Which trends are we watching and working on with interest?  Well - we've always been into Eco and continue working on that effort to be more eco-friendly in the way we run our business and the way we source and produce our garments.

IdleSourcing is another trend we're paying attention to.  What does that mean?  Simply put, it means making it simple for consumers to contribute to something more.  We're avid supports of children's charities here at LamanBlu and we want to make it simpler for you to contribute too.  We're working on a website update that will allow you to contribute directly to one of our charitable partners when you make a purchase from our website!  How cool is that?!

Re-commerce is something else we're working on, though in all honesty - it's slated to roll out for 2013.  We'd love to roll it out sooner, but don't quite have the manpower yet.  What is re-commerce?  It's all about providing our LamanBlu customers the ability to re-sell or trade or donate their past purchases.  We'd love to hear you weigh in on this subject though as we continue to work towards providing a platform to do this with. 

Want to know more about these trends and what they mean?  Visit  http://trendwatching.com/trends/12trends2012/

Alexander McQueen, Spring 2012, Pink and Ruffles

There are a few designers I've followed for years - Balenciaga, Dior, Herrera and McQueen among others.  I just had to share a few of the photos from Spring 2012 McQueen with you that I love in particular!

(photos courtest of http://us.fashionmag.com)

Don't you just love all the ruffles and lace - even ruffles on the shoes!  (I am a major shoe fanatic)  And guess who sells pink ruffly shoes for little girls?  Bear Feet!  www.bearfeet.com They have amazing shoes for kids - great quality, the softest leather - and all made in the USA.  If you recall - we partnered with them last spring for our photo shoot - and the pink ruffle sandals were a big hit with all of our models!  Check out LamanBlu's pink ruffle bustle dress for little girls - not very McQueen - but perfect for a garden party!

Speaking of pink - pink has not always been one of my favorite colors.  It took looking at it through my daughter's eyes to gain a true appreciation of it.  I even find myself wearing it now - both in brights and in the softest makeup shades.  We seem to always run some variety of pink for LamanBlu - the shade changes each season, but it's almost always present for our twirly girls.  This spring - it's bright bouganvilla and baby pink - so whether it's a pool party or a day at the beach or a garden party or Easter Sunday, we've got you covered.

Holiday 2011 - Trends to be sure and include in your kids closet!

Trend #1:  Animal Kingdom: Cat's may be the preferred pet in fashion this season, but other animals have found a home on clothes for kids too. Look for owls, hamsters, horses, bears, moose and more!

(LamanBlu's Snow Leopard Cape)

Trend #2: A Little Bit of Lace: Last year designers dressed down sequins for everyday wear. This season, lace takes a casual turn, moving beyond dressy dresses. Lace prints on easy knits are especially popular.

(LamanBlu's chocolate lace organic cotton and recycled polyester swing T and legging)

Trend #3:  Ruffled Up: Everything's coming up ruffled this season. The frill embellishment makes an encore performance on school clothes, dresses and shoes.

(LamanBlu's ruffles on the poet ruffle tunic and ruffle pants)

Trend #4:  Fluff 'N' Stuff: European designers are big fans of fur, feathers and other fluffy stuff. Nearly every collection on the runway got the soft touch with fluffy embellishment or fur accessories, including collars, hats, ear muffs, scarves and boots.

(LamanBlu's faux fur muff)

(LamanBlu's faux fur cape and skirt)

(LamanBlu's faux fur collar)

Trend reporting courtesy of Kids Style Source.

2012 Trend Report

Anyone who's been in the design field for a long time can talk about trends.  There are, of course, the trend setters and the trend followers, but there's something interesting that seems to happen in the "common consciousness" of the design community.  While there are some trends that seem to come out of no where, it is more common that trends come along a predictible progression.  That's why you see many designers referencing a particular style trend or color story in any given season.  Sometimes we're ahead of the game (our Fall 2011 Painterly Stripes are the purported print of "all the rage" for Fall 2012) and sometimes we miss a trend we should have picked up on.  Some trends are really just applicable to children's or men's, etc.  And some are more workable across the board.  As a high end design house, we pay attention to the color and print trends coming out of the reporting agencies and the artistic developers, and we create our own trends as well.  It's one of my favorite parts of the job. 

We get a lot of questions from retailers and media about what are the hot new trends for the upcoming year.  We've decided to share that with you too.  It may feel a little early to be looking to what's going to be hot for 2012, but we are nearing the end of 2011 (can you believe it!)  Here are some important color storys and trend items for 2012 - both spring and fall (a whole year away).  Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More 2012

FGI Rising Star 2011

"Paris, schmaris. Mile High style is alive and thriving in Denver. Whether chic and sleek, playful and fresh, or edgy and urban, the creative designs of area up-and-comers were showcased (where else?) on the runway at the sixth biennial Rising Star celebration hosted by Fashion Group International Denver. On Saturday, October 8, around 400 fashionistas dressed their best to mix, mingle and be dazzled by the creations of bright new talents at District 475, where Lindsay Bloom, of Bloom Jewelry, was named 2011 Rising Star."  Blacktie

 The event benefited the Brandon Center and The Gathering Place.  Denise Plante, the Emmy Award winning host of "Colorado & Company" on KUSAA made the entire evening a blast with her great sense of humor. 

 The fashion show featured finalists in 13 categories, chosen from a plethora of talented applicants: Kaitlyn Thomas, KaiT Designs; Meggie Hodge, Fahrenkamp Apparel; Tracey Blake, Tracey Lynn Golf; Gabriela Martinez, Gabriela Designs; Maggie Burns, Marie-Margot Bridal; Natalee Moldenhauer, Natalee M Designs; Dana Van Daele, Grey Sunshine; A.J. Machete and Lianna K, Denver Bespoke; Kotomi Yoshida, Studio Yoshida; Dan Powell, Panache Cycle Wear; Dan Abrams and Greg Steen, FlyLow Gear; Samantha Louise Larkins, Samantha Louise Jewelry; as well as this year’s Rising Star Lindsay Bloom, of Bloom Jewelry.

After winning the Rising Star in 2009, I was honored to be on this year's judging panel and to present the next Rising Star Award to Lindsay Bloom.  The talent we have here is Colorado is amazing - as we continue our journey to reaching higher levels we will be a fashion community to take notice of.  I am humbled to be a partner in that journey.
 
Salu,
Holli
 
To see more photos from the event:  Rising Star 2011 Photo Album

Press Release: Denver Design Incubator Holding Open House

The Denver Design Incubator is holding an open house for those who are interested in furthering their fashion design skills and growing their business. Stop in and learn more about the Designer-In-Residence program, tour the space, and take in how DDI can elevate a brand into a successful business. Bring a portfolio to get feedback or use the studio space to finish up some samples. Speak to the current DIRs and experience how DDI is moving fashion forward.


WHO SHOULD ATTEND?: Fashion Design Students, Designer-In-Residence Candidates, Interested Local Designers

WHO WILL YOU MEET?: DDI’s Executive Director, Holli Gibson; DDI’s Founder and Chairman of the Board, Rustin Coburn; Current Designers-In-Residence, Jeanne Connolly and Kristen Littlejohn

WHAT: DDI Open House

Speak with current DIRs and DDI personnel, get portfolio feedback, learn about upcoming workshops and interviews for the next class of Designers-In-Residence, tour DDI’s studio, try out the industrial sewing equipment.

WHERE: 500 16th St., Suite 264, Denver, Co. Inside the I Heart Denver Store

WHEN: Tuesday, November 1st, 2011. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE DENVER DESIGN INCUBATOR

The Denver Design Incubator (DDI) is Colorado’s first and only fashion design incubator, focused on education and business development to assist with turning creative ideas into successful and sustainable businesses. The DDI, based centrally in Downtown Denver, carries out its mission and vision by supporting, educating and empowering designers with the appropriate skill-sets to be successful in the Fashion Industry. The DDI is a place of creativity and innovation for designers to build upon an already established fashion and design knowledge base.

DDI offers an intensive two-year program that will accept three to seven applicants committed to advancing themselves and their businesses. Designers-in-residence will be immersed in a real world setting of a design studio in an apparel manufacturing company. They will receive mentoring from established fashion professionals to help them take their ideas from a concept to a money making business. Designers-in-residence will attend classes based upon a customized curriculum to take their skills to the next level. Classes will also be offered to the public in areas ranging from design to pattern making to production to business planning to fashion law.

For More Information: Contact Holli Gibson, Executive Director 720-837-1452 or info@denverdesignincubator.com

LamanBlu in Hudson's Magazine

Did you see our write-up in Hudson's ChildrensWear Review?

"Designer Holli Gibson presents her latest LamanBlu collection for Spring and Summer 2012 and introduces select styling for boys.

Continuing with feminine dresses and coordinated separates for all the little twirly girls, LamanBlu stays true to what is best about its styling, adding dressup and casual styles for little brother."

To see the collection, visit our website at www.LamanBlu.com

LamanBlu is domestically produced eco-friendly clothing for children ages 6 months to age 10.

Play, Dance, Live...because LamanBlu is made to Celebrate Childhood

http://www.hudsonscr.com/

© 2011 LamanBlu

SS 2012 Trend Report: Amazing Lace!

Lace adds grace to girls dresses, tops, jackets and more! (Kidsstylesource.com)

LamanBlu is offering up lace princess dresses, complete with full twirly skirts, embroidery and real freshwater pearls.

They're also offering up lots of lacy ruffles, trimmed in ladder lace paired with washable linen and natural shell buttons.

Colorado's Rising Stars of Fashion to be Feted on Saturday

Colorado's rising stars of fashion to be feted Saturday

By Suzanne S. Brown
The Denver Post
Posted: 10/06/2011 01:00:00 AM MDT

........................
"There's a huge variety of new businesses starting," says Holli Gibson, one of the judges of FGI's competition and a local children's wear designer. She won the Rising Star Award in 2009.


"I think the tough economy is forcing people to get creative in many ways," she says. "They're not relying on big business to set their futures. They're using innovative ways to launch and market products. There's no one right way anymore."

Gibson, who worked in other markets before starting LamaBlu here, says that doing business online paired with the ease of communications today allow people to set up shop just about anywhere. "Certainly there are challenges to working in areas outside of major manufacturing cities" but, she says, "it can be done."
.....................

To Read the Entire Aritcle: Colorado's rising stars of fashion to be feted Saturday - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_19049166#ixzz1a6zRZdhy

Fashion Group International of Denver has selected a baker's dozen of fashion companies to honor as "Rising Stars" for 2011. One will be named winner at FGI's gala on Saturday. The nominees are:


FlyLow Gear: Dan Abrams and Green Steen, outerwear

Bloom Jewelry: Lindsay Backman, contemporary jewelry

Tracey Lynn Golf: Tracey Blake, women's active wear

Marie-Margot Bridal Couture: Maggie Burns, bridal/couture

Fahrenkamp Apparel: Meggie Hodge, women's urban wear

Samantha Louise Jewelry: Samantha Larkins, fine jewelry

Denver Bespoke: AJ Machete, Lianna K, men's ready-to- wear

Gabriela Designs: Gabriela Martinez, women's evening wear

Natalee M. Designs: Natalee Moldenhauer, couture accessories

Panache Cycle Gear: Don Powell, men's active wear

KaiT Design: Kaitlyn Thomas, women's ready-to-wear

Grey Sunshine: Dana Van Daele, contemporary accessories

Studio Yoshida: Kotomi Yoshida, men's urban wear

Kids Style Source Spring Summer 2012 Trend Report

Key Trend:  Light Denim and Chambray.  "Designers give denim a softer touch for spring, using light-washed and lightweight denim, along with denim-look linens."  LamanBlu loves this trend, with chambray style pure linen for boys and a lighter chambray blue linen for girls.  Smart tailoring combined with comfort make brother's easter set a perfect choice for special occassion or best dressed at the beach.  For sister, there's lots of classic bustle ruffles combined with ladder lace and real shell buttons to make everyday special.  For the beach, we add nautical rope trim and a reversible bucket hat to shade little eyes from the sun.  View the entire collection on our website at http://www.lamanblu.com/

WWD Spring 2012 Trend Report

"For spring, designers looked back to a demure time — the Fifties and Sixties to be exact — when the lady of the house was always polished, elegant and oh-so-chic." (not to mention her children!)  Does is get more polished and chic that crisp linen, lace and pearls?  I don't think so!

LamanBlu Releases its Spring Summer 2012 Collection | PRLog

Continuing with feminine dresses and coordinated separates for all the little twirly girls, LamanBlu stays true to what is best about its styling. Ruffles, dresses with great twirl-ability and extensive detailing, all in a fresh and compelling color palette.


LamanBlu is a girly collection, and this season does not stray from that, but it does introduce something brand new – a few select styles for brother that are decidedly smart, classic and comfy all at the same time.

To read the entire article: 


LamanBlu Releases its Spring Summer 2012 Collection | PRLog

LamanBlu Spring-Summer 2102 Video

LamanBlu Spring-Summer 2012 Lookbook

Open publication - Free publishing - More 2012

Spring 2012 Top Trends

(courtesy of kidstylesource.com)

We have these in spades for the LamanBlu Spring 2012 Collection and we thought we'd share some of the previews with you!

Fall / Holiday 2011 RTW Trend Report Recap

As we're winding up the buying season for Fall/Holiday 2011, we wanted to make sure you had seen the RTW trend reports and had covered the important trends for your store.  If you've missed something, be sure and let us know.  As LamanBlu is entirely domestic, we are still accepting late orders for the season. 

Red Alert!  "Traffic Stopping Red is hot on both sides of the Atlantic." (Marylou Luther) Michael Kors focused on red for the holidays, as did LamanBlu.

At Jason Wu, and LamanBlu, lace prints grounded in warm tones set the stage.

"Enter the fur-ioso force of fur and faux fur.  From fur-sided glasses at Alexander Wang to hats at The Row to a bootie at Tod's, a bag at Michael Kors, a collar at Van Noten and a bib at Fendi, fur is as important in accessories as it is in apparel." (Marylou Luther)  At LamanBlu, it's seen in capes and muffs, but also in collars, purses and skirts.

So, for the round-up of the rest of the trends slated as most likely to make it from the catwalk to the sidewalk:  In addition to traffic-stopping red, "the fashion rainbow also favored teal and turquoise and glacier blues" (Marylou Luther)

(RTW Collection Trend Report courtesy of The Fashion Group Foundation).

So, did you cover the important trends for your store?  Wait!  There's more!  LamanBlu is a fashion trend-forward collection, but we are also a collection loved by twirly girls and their mothers alike.  Best selling pieces for the season?  Our Essential Swing T's and Poet Ruffle Tunics and Essential Leggings, in a range of colors.  We all know that children love to be dressed comfortably, and with LamanBlu's versions of the styles, they can accomplish that all while looking fabulous!

And of course, there is one of our continually best selling styles at retail, the jumper dress as seen in the top photo in red under our bustle jacket, in the fashion rainbow section of colors above in turquoise and blue over our swing t and leggings, and here over our favorite pink paisley print and tights. 

And the favorite heirloom pieces for holiday? Our embroidered and freshwater pearl beaded lace in both a blouse and twirly dress. ( The blouse is shown over our jumper dress in baby pink.)

Whew!  We're done!  Now wasn't that fun?  Be sure and let us know if you missed anything and we'll make sure and get it to you in time for the selling season.