Children's Fashion Trends
from Europe
for the Autumn/Winter Season 2001/2002
Nowadays, children's fashion can't be distinguished from the latest trends in young adults' wear. Inspiration doesn't come from the street or the music industry anymore but from the catwalks around the globe. And those designs are transformed into children's fashion in a flash. For the new autumn/winter season, fashion is showing its gusto with colour, designs, new fabrics, and decorative elements, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long time. Colour abstinence is a thing of the past as is the emphasis on high-tech and functionalism. Just like for grown-ups, having fun and being fashionable are key.
Warm colours, reminiscent of the "Country Colours" and focusing on brown tones, pumpkin orange, berry and heather shades, will take centre stage. Pine green, dark blue and denim blue are the basic colours, while bright red and turquoise set the accents. And for boys, anthracite and black will remain in the picture.
In addition to colour, the variety of patterned fabrics will set a really new fashion statement. Check patterns both large and small, diagonal or straight, woven, printed or knitted will be among the favourites with girls and boys. Various types of decorative elements will also be in the picture such as embroidery, fur trim, and lots of riveting. Metal glitter in gold, silver, and copper is as important for kids as it is for adults this season.
Fabrics with cuddly wool textures are also new. Corduroy, velveteen, and teased cotton are sure to be hits, as are soft leather imitations suitable for skirts, trousers, and jackets. Things will get cuddly, too, with all the shag and fur fabrics, as well as velvety fleece and lots of knits. Denim is still key as a basic fabric, but jeans will also remain a hot item for jacket, shirt, and trouser designs. Padded techno fabrics cannot be dismissed even when the "technical" elements fade into the background.
"Mix-and-match" clothing is at the top of the list this season, offering lots of new ideas. Tank-tops with blouses or T-shirts and regular shirts will be combined with "leather" trousers or knee-length skirts. Along with that comes a whole new selection of jacket styles ranging from blazers to fur-lined jean jackets. Friendly accessories like tights in bright colours or patterns, fur backpacks, embroidered boots and belts with lucky charms or coins attached to them will be a "must" next winter.
The Themes
College and Campus
A neo-sporty style that plays with classic colours and designs. Raglan-sleeved blouses and "trainer" jackets with striped cuffs and letters, numbers, or club symbols sewn onto them are designed for both boys and girls. These will be worn with jeans or Jean skirts, little tank-tops and blouses or turtlenecks. The colours will be traditional in blue, red, grey, and ecru, but the fabrics will be innovative. In addition to denim, leather imitations, corduroy and woollen fabrics like tweed and flannel will also play a role. Argyle patterns, ribbing and even thick braiding will be characteristic for knit coordinates.
Woodland
Warm, "woody" brown tones will be seen among wools, leather imitations, velvets, furs, and embroidered pieces - something new in children's fashion. Jackets from the realm of outdoor fashion are characterized by a new look based on a nature-based chic. For underneath, there will be waistcoats, pullovers, blouses and shirts with lots of detail. Folkloric and artisan embroidery and an emphasis on fur and leather detail at the edges are decorative elements often combined with Jean pieces. A rich play of autumn and berry colour tones will be eye-catchers this season.
Look at Me!
Fashion is becoming more expressive for kids, too - especially for girls. They want to be noticed and maybe even envied! Gold and silver riveting, shiny sequins and pearls, Lurex embroidery, and strass won't only be seen on festive clothing but also as little decorative elements on jeans pocket seams, collars, skirt hems, and, of course, on a variety of accessory items. Denim with a metal gleam promises to be a hit. Colours will play their classic role. In addition to traditional colours like blue and dark blue denim, red tones including everything from rose to orange to pink, burgundy and violet will be the attention-getters. Camel tones, gold, and fashionable black-ecru borrowed from ladies' outerwear will be combined with bright colours to provide a source of inspiration for children's fashion, too. But never fear! The glitz and neo-chic character will have an ironic twist to it. After all, the main thing will be having fun.