The Fall 2009 coats on the Comme des Garçons runway were like none I have seen before. Designer Rei Kawakubo has combined short, chest-length military jackets with fabric resembling blankets.
Fleece and other heavy fabrics in plaid and Navajo patterns flared out in triangular shapes from beneath structured, multi-pocketed, buttoned up jackets.
The look is rather strange and not at all figure-flattering. However, this Comme des Garçons collection also had the models veiled in sheer material detailed with glitter lips, pink and purple hair that looked like woolen balls, ankle socks under filmy leggings, and manly shoes with toes printed on them.
Heavy Skirted Coats
Comme des Garcons Military Jackets with Attached Blankets
Trend Themes
1. Heavy Skirted Coats - The unique combination of heavy fabrics and structured jackets creates an opportunity for disruptive innovation in outerwear design.
2. Fabric with Resembling Blankets - Using thick and cozy fabrics to create a blanket-like effect on coats is a trend that could disrupt traditional cold weather clothing manufacturing.
3. Structured Multi-pocketed Jackets - This trend of multi-pocketed and structured jackets creates opportunities for innovative and practical designs in military and tactical clothing industries.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry could incorporate heavy skirted coats with blanket-like fabrics into their product lines for added warmth and unique style options.
2. Cold Weather Apparel Manufacturing - The use of thicker fabrics and blanket-like designs could disrupt traditional manufacturing processes in the production of warm coats and outerwear.
3. Tactical Clothing - The structured and multi-pocketed design of the jackets in this trend could appeal to the tactical clothing industry for use in outdoor and military settings.