Authored by Neal F. Litherland in Fashion and Beauty
Published on 11-14-2009
Every season it’s the same question… who’s the hot fashion designer this time? What new designs are showing brilliance and popularity, and who are the rising stars to watch? While there are a lot of different answers to this question (the question of which artist is best is a personal one, whether it’s a dress or a painting). However, going by straight popularity and media attention, there are several designers who could win the title of “hottest” for 2009.
Panichgul Thakon, despite the outlandish sounding name, is an American designer who was definitely paid a lot of attention this past year. A lot of this attention came as a result of one of his dresses being worn by the first lady Michelle Obama, which captured the media’s interest and was covered rather extensively when it happened. The fabrics that Thakon uses were noticed for the amount of texture that they showed, in addition to the fact that the designs vary from women who are thin to those who are more voluptuous. Colorful and appealing to a younger dynamic, Thakon’s coverage has died down since the spring, but it hasn’t entirely vanished.
Another designer who received a lot of attention in 2009, though she’s by no means a spot light virgin, is Diane von Furstenburg. With more than 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, Furstenburg introduced the first wrap dress to the runways in 1972. In 2002 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Reward due to the impact that she’d had on the industry throughout her life. Fond of mixed prints, ruffled layers, and of course the wrap dresses that earned her fame and acclaim in the first place, Furstenburg was definitely a designer to watch, since experience can often create things that fresh eyes can’t compete with.
Though not a fashion designer per se, the fashion line Chloe (which was founded by designers Gaby Aghion and Jacques Lenoir) has also been turning a few heads in the year 2009. The Fall and Winter designs from Chloe are unique, and many boast a very retro, old-timey look. Coming in somber blacks (particularly the classic cut women’s suits that have a 1920’s charm to them), as well as earthy colors, there’s a large variety in what Chloe has to offer this year. For those who aren’t sure if Chloe is the right fashion for them, take a look at their selection at www.chloe.com.
Of course, this is all a matter of perspective, attention, and media coverage when it comes down to it. Some designers may win the hearts and minds of some people, but others who are perhaps too large or small to wear those designs won’t enjoy the clothes being offered. Other people may prefer certain colors or patterns that a certain designer doesn’t use. Much like politics, while there may be a majority that believes one thing, that doesn’t mean that other people will agree with that majority, or even see merit in those persons’ point of view.
