Haute Concept

The Style section of today’s The New York Times points to a unusual trend for Spring. The color gray in all its many shades is the must have color to incorporate. It’s has been seen all over the runways, domestic and international. The Times’ points out, “it is less of a statement than a black suit, which for all of its allure to creative types, is not suitable business attire for a lot of men”. Gray is extremly versatile, lending itself to be paired with a multitude of colors and accents to create a clean, professional contrast. It is important to note that the gray’s are being used as a staple color (suits, jackets, sweaters) and also for accessories, such as ties and scarves.

For Neutral Grays, The Mood is Positive (link to TNYT)

For Neutral Grays, The Mood Is Positive (pdf)

Photo credit: Chris Shipman for The New York Times

Crain’s New York Business reports on the inevitable direction of consumers purchasing high end, luxury accessories online. Increasingly, more time-strapped young professionals are going online to make expensive, luxury jewelry purchases. Smart, web-savvy online retailers are noticing and moving into this sector and the traditional brick and mortar retailers are slow to warm up to the idea. Generally, people thought consumers would only make high end purchases in a store, where they could engage with the product. The success of online apparel, tells us that there is no question, accessories would follow.
Online jewelers aim at high end-Crain’s New York Business-April 2-8, 2007

Photo credit: David Neff for Crain’s