Besides a return of the pashmina, there will also be sightings of glamorous fur wraps, expensive small leather accessories, dazzling beaded handbags and sparkling gypsy-inspired jewellery. While the pashmina remains on the wanted list, there will likely be changes to the garment, such as new weave treatments, hand-painted elements and beading. Retailers are so bullish about accessories for the season that they are forecasting big gains, despite poor clothing retail news in recent months, due mainly to over-expansion in previous cycles. While those heading for the stores may evoke the excess of the 1980s, retailers and vendors alike feel that all things deluxe are being differently interpreted this time around. Glitter and status are defined with clean-edged boundaries for the coming season.
Silhouettes are sleek and modern, while fur wraps are going to be huge.
The incoming jewellery look will feature hoop earrings and earrings reminiscent of colourful, gypsy attire. Sunglasses will be in jewelled tones, while belts are making a return in exotic pseudo-skins, with python and pony styles at the top of the list and slinky chains adding to the offbeat look. The mood continues to be holding for holiday accessories, which started as a lead-in to the millennium focus of last year. Fur accessories will include scarves, collars, mufflers and wraps fashioned from rabbit skins, racoon and fox. Styles will be shown in a myriad of colours, from black and dark brown to red, olive, camel, pale pink and pale blue.