top 10 trends of 2009

perhaps it was the recession or perhaps it was the onslaught of countless natural (and manmade) disasters, but it seemed like fashion trends from 2008 were just recycled for 2009. terms like recessionista and frugalista became the favorite buzzwords of the media, as fashionistas became budget-conscious and figured out ways to make the most of what was already in their closets. fashion became the last thing anybody wanted to spend on, whether it was the everyday consumer, the über-luxury brand, or the big-budget advertiser (cost-cutting, anyone?? our least favorite word!!). what all this means is that what you wore last year still worked well for this year, and, in fact, was probably still the height of fashion. which also means that this year's list is practically a recycled version of last year's. (to prove it, check the 2008 list!) following are the trends that made an impact on women’s wardrobes in 2009.

1. gladiator sandals when it came to the “it” accessory for 2009, shoes still won over bags. “ang walang kamatayang” gladiator sandals were still top of the list for many women—and stores continued selling them in every color, material, and height (from ankle- to knee-high) imaginable! (photo: bianca hosting the launch of glorietta 5)

2. platform shoes last year’s platform was also still very popular with brands trying to outdo each other with higher heels and more funky designs. and short women everywhere applauded. (photo: kate in her platform sandals by jojie lloren for janylin at the sanrio luxe opening)

3. ankle-high booties there was a time when boots were worn only during the winter, for rain, or when we traveled. but now we wear our boots all year-round—and for every occasion, it seems. the ankle-high bootie (both open- and closed-toe styles) was the footwear of choice for many women when wearing a fancy dress or short skirt. (photo: daryl at the designs filipino, greenbelt 5 event)

4. plunging neckline a couple of years ago, only the most daring girls would dare wear a neckline that went all the way down to their navel. but these days, the plunging neckline has become the height of fashion, especially for cocktail dresses and evening gowns. hollywood starlets don this look all the time, whether while walking down the red carpet or being caught by paparazzi in the street—so why can’t regular women with perky breasts (real or faux, with the latter actually being another big—pun unintended—trend…) (photo: divine at the 8th philippine tatler ball at makati shangri-la)

5. harem pants this trend was bubbling under late last year, and by summer this year had exploded—once SM has it on the sales floor, then you know it’s reached its peak. it appealed to a lot of women because it hid a multitude of sins—puson, saddlebags, fat knees—and all supposedly in the name of fashion and no one would be the wiser. (photo: pauline at the sanrio luxe, greenbelt 5 opening)

6. “my pilipinas” shirt copycats if you thought collezione C2’s philippine-map shirt couldn’t get more popular than last year, well, we’ve got news for you: it still hasn’t reached its peak. wait till 2010—election year. many politicians have chosen it as their uniform, ordering their party’s signature color from collezione by the thousands. and other local brands have cashed in on this hot, hot trend—and why shouldn’t they, collezione doesn’t own the philippine map. (photo: philippine-map shirt at kultura filipino)

7. bib necklace when bea valdes created her first collection of handcrafted necklaces several years ago, we had never seen anything like them. after making an impact on the international market, her creations then started a trend of huge, heavily embellished neckpieces that looked like they were part of the outfit—no other accessory was required. the bib necklace enhanced streamlined formal dresses and elevated casual daytime outfits. (photo: liz with tita virgie at the launch of john lloyd cruz as new swatch endorser at the establishment)

8. statement hair accessory we’re not talking about fabric headbands or cutesy clips, we’re talking about hair accessories that almost resemble little hats. well, if tessa valdes can get away with wearing feathers on her hair, then why can’t we regular folk? (photo: shauna at the 8th philippine tatler ball)

9. second-hand designer bag in the beginning, it was the fashionista’s dirty little secret: buying a second-hand designer bag. but in these days of cost-cutting, there’s no longer any shame in purchasing someone else’s “gently used” designer bag, which are now openly being sold in malls, on social-networking sites, and in catalogs. just make sure your source is reliable and you’re not duped into purchasing a fake. (photo: second-hand hermès birkin for sale at accessory lab, power plant mall)

10. color of the year: yellow whatever your political affiliations were, when former president cory aquino passed away last august, the country suddenly became a sea of yellow. when people queued up for hours to pay their respects, they wore yellow. when people lined the streets on the day of her burial, they wore yellow. for weeks after that, people who wanted to remember her wore yellow. until, that is, noynoy proclaimed that he was running for president—then wearing yellow became a political statement. (photo: salome, daphne, and carmina—yummy in yellow and NOT making a political statement at the dahpne oseña paez for linens direct launch at SM makati)

trends to watch in 2010: shoulder details like embellished epaulets or peaked shoulders; hippie-style headbands; heels with socks; printed leggings, over-the-knee boots

[PS: an edited version of this post was published in the philippine star last december 9, 2009]