Several designers began rolling flared pants onto shelves, announcing the skinny-jean look of the last few seasons may finally be over. Prada, known for their oft eccentric extremes, really stretched the look when they re-introduced the ultra-wide mega flares of the '70s.
The print campaign for the Fall/Winter 2008 collection shows checkered pants that are skinny to the knee, then dramatically balloon outward. Not a look just anyone would be comfortable in. They look like an elephant leg, or giant boat oars.
The wide legs were previously seen at Gianfranco Ferré's Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear show, like the featured purple pantsuit, and at Chanel's Resort 2009 show, as seen in the image of the all white ensemble.
Mega Flares
Prada's Checkered Atrocity
Trend Themes
1. Flared Pants - The resurgence of flared pants indicates a shift away from the dominance of skinny jeans, presenting opportunities for brands to offer a new silhouette in their clothing lines.
2. Eccentric Fashion - Prada's checkered mega flares highlight the growing demand for bold and eccentric fashion choices, opening doors for designers to explore unique and unconventional styles.
3. Retro Revival - The reintroduction of ultra-wide mega flares from the '70s suggests a revival of retro fashion trends, allowing brands to tap into nostalgia and offer vintage-inspired collections.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - The emergence of flared pants creates opportunities for fashion retailers to diversify their offerings and cater to customers seeking alternative pants styles.
2. Luxury Brands - The demand for eccentric fashion exemplified by Prada's checkered mega flares allows luxury brands to experiment with avant-garde designs and target a niche market seeking unique luxury items.
3. Vintage Clothing - The resurgence of retro fashion trends, such as the ultra-wide mega flares, presents opportunities for vintage clothing stores to capitalize on the popularity of nostalgia and offer authentic vintage pieces.