Bold colors, prints headline this spring’s collections.
The Buzz: Industry buzzwords on bold prints...bright, geometric, abstract, modern
The Trend: The trend in prints is decidedly more geometrical than flowery. Even themes of branches or other natural elements feature a linear, abstract, even artsy quality. Few designers exemplify this as well as Tory Burch, who recently has become the “it” designer in industry circles. Kilgore Trout at Eton Chagrin Boulevard has begun to carry the line, and owner Andrea Naymon, says it is selling so well, she can’t even keep it in stock. “I actually had to hide some of the clothes to have some here for a trunk show,” she recalls. Burch’s prints are abstract, her colors bold, and she mixes and matches them in combinations that are inspired and interesting.

“This spring’s prints are a fresh and modern take on the mod look of the 60s and op art of 70s,” says Gail Rocco, owner of Joss at Eton Chagrin Boulevard. She says they work particularly well on pieces like swing dresses and look fantastic as accents for basic black. “All the new prints relate to black, which we all have so much of in our wardrobes. It’s a great way to add excitement.” She says the new, bold prints also look great with another wardrobe staple—jeans. “But they have to be fabulous jeans to really do the new look justice.”

The Look:
            • Don’t be afraid to mix and match different patterns for a modern look; taking a risk with prints can mean a big fashion payoff.
             • Wherever the bold print is, so goes the eye; be sure you’re attracting attention to the right place for your body type.— KAREN FULLER
See Resource Guide on page D9
for retailer contact information.