January 12, 2009

Trend Watch

The Hot List 2009

From hot-pink lips to TopShop and the Cocos, here's 20 reasons to love the new year! By Xiyin Tang

Let's face it: 2009 looks a little bleak. Well, it's all the more reason we thought we'd remind you of all the good that can come out of the new year. Whether it's bigger and better places to shop (the new Outnet.com anyone?), cooler girls (we can't wait to see what model and vintage aficionado Ruby Aldridge will do with recession dressing), or the return of old friends (oh Phoebe, how we've missed you!), there's plenty to celebrate and lots to look forward to in the months ahead. So in the name of optimistic guys and gals everywhere, here are some of our biggest pre-obsessions for 2009.

The Trends:

The Finally-Got-It-Right Jumpsuit: After a few seasons of costumey onesies and straight-off-the-construction site jumpers, designers like Alex Wang and Vena Cava finally made jumpsuits we know we'll see real people wearing. Above, left: Catherine Holstein spring '09.

The Bra Debate: You'll either go without it or you'll wear it as a top, but either way it'll be an ongoing conversation piece this year. Above, second from left: Louis Vuitton spring '09, photo via Style.com. Bottom, second from right: Urban Outfitters spring '09.

The Chic Comb-Over: A little weird, a little couture, this new 'do is perfect blending of Alice Dellal's one-sided look and a big messy '80s supermodel style. Above, top, second from right: Natascha Stolle spring '09.

Bright Fuchsia Lips: Consider it the new WWII Red on acid. Above, top right: Badgley Mischka spring '09, photo via Style.com.

More is More: The complete opposite of the bare-bones trend we also fancy (see below), this complete surrender to excess in accessories just makes us nostalgic for better times. Above, bottom right: Marc Jacobs spring '09, photo via Style.com.

The It Guys & Girls:

The Cocos: Nope, not Rocha. First, we're talking Ms. Chanel. The biopic, starring Audrey Tatou and styled by Kaiser Karl, comes out in February. She grew up in an orphanage, built her biz up from scratch (with a little help from a lover's bankroll), and had to reinvent herself after closing her eponymous Paris shop. Talk about inspiration for some lean times! And then there's Coco Sumner, adorable spawn of Trudie and Sting. But if you think this is just another party girl—you're wrong. After starring alongside Agyness Deyn in the spring/summer '08 Burberry campaign, Ms. Sumner's now hard at work on her debut album. Stay tuned! Above, top left: Coco Sumner in the spring '08 Burberry campaign. Bottom, left and bottom second from left: Coco Chanel and Audrey Chanel as Coco Chanel.

Phoebe Philo: The designer that made Chlo— cool again and the Paddington one of the last "It" bags of the century, Ms. Philo's finally back, this time as Creative Director for Celine. A luxury goods line with little to no identity, we can't wait to see what Pheebs will do come March. Above top, second from left: Phoebe Philo.

Addison Gill: Winner of the Supreme Model Search for V magazine (just about the coolest modeling agency and the brightest fashion glossy), the catwalk's newest face is destined to be a force this year (and how could you not with a name like that?). Like a cross between Lily Donaldson's cheekbones and Coco Rocha's feline eyes, we expect unbelievable bookings for the 16-year-old Canadian come February, if last year's winner (Amanda Laine)'s McQueen and Miu Miu openings are any indication. Above top, second from right: Addison Gill.

Isabelle McNally: With the looks of Fiona Apple and the devil-may-care style of Mary-Kate Olsen, don't mistake Isabelle for just another New York Power Child (her dad is none other than top restaurateur Keith McNally). She's just been named the face of Earnest Sewn's diffusion line, Am I, and she's modeled for the Pegleg/Opening Ceremony collaboration lookbook. The aspiring actress is also slated to be in a few films this coming year…so expect to see her doey-eyed stare on the big screen soon enough. Above top, right: Isabelle McNally, photo via The Fashion Spot.

Ruby Aldridge: Sister to model Lily, it's obvious that good looks run in the family. With a guest-starring spot on The Young and the Restless and modeling stints for Coach and Urban Outfitters, this is just the beginning for this fresh-faced teen. Above bottom, right: Ruby Aldridge.

Tallulah Morton: Having just walked the Jean Paul Gaultier Couture show this past July, Talullah's sharp cheekbones and killer off-duty style makes her one to watch this year. If 2008 was the year of the Brit invasion, could 2009 be the Year of the Aussies? We bet, if Tallulah is leading the pack. Above bottom, second from right: Tallulah Morton, photo via The Cobra Snake.

Tom Ford: The CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year for 2008 is making his directorial debut this year. His film, A Single Man, boasts an all-star cast (including Colin Firth as a gay professor in L.A. and Julianne Moore) and is set to drop any day now.

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