Product Trend: Depression Chic
by Christina Lee on January 29th, 2009
For spring 2009 and the seasons beyond, fashion designers have sent down the runway what can be cumulated as “depression chic.” The trend pays homage to a time consumers now relate to more than ever, with apparel first popularized around the 1929 stock market crash.
The looks also offer a certain ease for consumers: the fits are looser, the flash has disappeared, and the fashion statements are familiar. Overall, the industry understands that this year’s consumers want to buy pieces that will last them for years.
Women will get to play around with looks that popped up before and after the crash. Fits vary between the boxy dresses of the flapper, and the baggy, worn-in layers of the thrifting hobo. But with all, the necklines of blouses, button-ups and more are slightly higher and rounder than in years past – no deep Vs here. Roberto Cavalli and Marc Jacobs can offer inspiration.
Essential items: The pencil skirt, like today’s belt, plays up the natural waistline, while the flapper dress shimmies, in either sequined metallics or black fringe. A baggy vintage-inspired dress in a checkered plaid or tiny floral lends to the hobo look the best. Finishing touches include t-strap platform shoes, costume jewelry, or a cloche hat.
Men can finally breathe. After seasons of heralding the European slim fit look in nearly everything, designers have finally cutting menswear a little bit more loosely. Those who are especially tired of skinny jeans will finally be able to take comfort in a wider trouser and short. But to avoid overall sloppiness, designers struck balance in proportions, by either pairing such a trouser with a slim v-neck cardigan, or matched a wider blazer with a skinnier pant. Refer to Ralph Lauren and John Barlett.
Essential items: The drawstring pant, likely to come in a lighter neutral, will provide some much-needed ease in harder financial times. The large plaid button-up will also resurge, as it once did during the 1930s. And while the essential blazer, in a dark neutral is slightly worn, the cardigan, bright and spiffy, should not be.
All should take advantage of the rising popularity of the 1930s newsboy look. Though the look may have clothed the poorest of poor in a past generation, today it offers polish for anyone who cares to play into the trend – especially with the accessories in grey.
Essential items: Donning the newsboy cap and the utilitarian bag are probably the easiest ways to achieve the look. The next step up includes a pin-striped vest, cropped trousers or oxford lace-ups, all of which easily go with a white button-up. The daring can also add suspenders to the ensemble, as rising fashion designer Andre Benjamin, also of hip-hop duo OutKast, has sported over the years.
Apparel buyers and retailers: do you think your customers would buy into “depression chic”? Why or why not?