Music To My Ears
Friday, October 24, 2008 at 5:11PM 
FALL/WINTER 0809
Wow. I am truly honored. First of all, I'd like to give thanks to all of those who have inspired my rock stardom. Guitar Hero and Rock Band, I had many late nights with you. You truly rock my world. American Idol, I learned how to sing because of you! P. Diddy, Making The Band taught me strength and perseverance. Hannah Montana, I know who you are, you clever girl! Last, but not least, Zac Efron for keeping me on my toes. I love you all! Thank you! Thank you!
No, but seriously. Self expression is an important theme for Fall/Winter 08-09.
You may be wondering, "Why now?" Well, I believe it is the direct result of living in a society where technology has allowed us to present ourselves to the world through reality television, video games, social networking sites, blogs, etc. It only seems natural that music would be one more creative outlet for this type of expression.
The Rocker act is spreading like wild fire and interpretations range from Emo to Goth.
The look is usually composed of a mix and match of prints, colors, and textures such as; leather, velvet, patent, crystals, metallics, studs, animal prints, skins, sheers, long haired fur, and last but not least the color black. This photograph is from the Fall 08 H&M Magazine. I'd say this is more on the Emo Bohemian tip and a more subdued approach to the trend. I'm sure mom and dad would approve.
Keep scrolling to see just who has adopted this trend...
Stylebabble
RUNWAY
Chloe sported the Rocker look in a sophisticated chic way. Photos from the Winter Runway 08/09 show.
These boots are ridiculously Rock. Check out the animal skin on the heel...
Stylebabble
RUNWAY
Are you surprised that Rock and Republic covered this style? :) Their website is currently blasting Marilyn Manson-The Beautiful People...
I feel like they went for a more "Rock Star at the Grammys" look. I love the play of matte and shine on the menswear.
Stylebabble
Stylebabble
RETAIL
This Rocker trend went from the catwalk into retail stores all across America.
About now, America's youth should be filled with angst and soul. French Connection grasps the style well with moody expressions, leather, and ripped fishnets...Is it just me or does she look like an Olsen Twin?
Bloomingdale's fall Ad campaigns are dedicated to music (The Beat Of Chic and HOT Rocks). The pages of their catalogs are filled with rocker styles. Catherine Malandrino and Nanette Lepore are just a few of the labels featured this season.
Even the "conservative" cardigan isn't left behind. Bloomingdale's offers some liveable styles that have somewhat of an edge.
As for men...band tees are essential along with the velvet sportcoat. These items have been around but are really catching on this season. Bloomingdale's featured several in their HOT Rocks fall catalog...check out this one from Theory.
While on the subject of men...
Paul Smith offers some great layering pieces. The black blazer with the contrast piping detail really adds an edge to a staple item. The stud detailing on the jeans and the animal print pocket lining scream rock and roll.
Stylebabble
RETAIL
Zara features these cool illustrations on their site...They look like Rockers to me!
I like the approach Zara has taken...the asymmetrical lines and the patent detailing really give this tailored look a punch.
Stylebabble
RETAIL
Calling all surfer chicks...
Garage Band is what Swell has to offer in this trend. I love the innocence of these outfits...It's an updated take on the grunge look...Anyone up for Reality Bites? What do you think that girl, 2nd one in on the left, is listening to??
Hurley gleaned inspiration this season from rock culture and art.
Stylebabble
RETAIL
Don't be fooled by the glamorous Rocker chic Arden B. has invented...her heels can do some major damage! Express stepped right in on showcasing the ever so sleek "leather" leggings. Wow, it must be a struggle taking those off...
Kids are welcome to audition as well! Zutano has some great mix and match patterns and textures
OK, I think you get the point...Almost everyone picked it up. Some retailers I did not include that are sporting this Rocker theme are Free People, Rampage, H&M, Mango, Delias, Forever 21...
Stylebabble
ACCESSORIES
Keep in mind this style isn't just about the edgy clothes! You also need to consider the right accessories to play this Rocker character.
For those of you who don't like to jump on every trend that comes along and prefer to wear more timeless pieces, try dressing the part with Rock inspired accessories.
I love this Burberry Ad. Note that her tailored outfit is paired with some unexpected studs and spikes.
Now that you get a vibe for what this look encompasses, I'm sure you will notice lots of accessories in the market place that have that Rocker edge.
Here are just a few examples...
clockwise: Burberry, Erickson Beamon, Jimmy Choo
U.O offers a Marled Open knit Scarf with hints of shimmer...and for you sensitive musicians, don't leave the fedora at home...this is also from U.O.
Kenneth Cole offers some handsome accessories for the sophisticated Rocker man. I LOVE the leather boots.
Stylebabble
HOME FASHION
Trends that start in fashion eventually trickle into the home industry. This trend is mainly in apparel right now, but I am starting to see some Musical/Rocker influence in home fashion. Some interpretations are more abstract than others.
This bedding from Habitat is a great example of a more subtle approach to the musical trend. The duvet does not include stereotypical Rocker motifs, studs, fur, or leather detailing. However you can still understand this design to have a musical, bohemian type of influence because of the styling of the room. By adding the record player and albums to the room scene it alludes to a Rocker lifestyle.
Urban Outfitters was also influenced by this trend. You can see in these photos that music played an important role in the lifestyle of their products this season. The furniture itself is very streamlined, mid century pieces that could be in placed in most settings. There is no obvious design detail that connects it to the rocker trend... However notice the speaker and the record player are featured in the room setting.
Ok, so there are some examples of home products that actually have design details such as motifs, embellishments, colors,and textures related to the Rocker trend.
Check out these amazing chairs by Andrew Martin. These are also touching on the trend but not going overboard. You can see the subtle rocker influence, from the oversized silver upholstery nails and updated menswear pattern, paired with the classic shape of the chair.
Nieman Marcus took it a step further with the "Sunflower Zebra" chair...a classic chair with bright colored zebra upholstery.
This mirror by Ochre, is fantastic. I do like how they juxtaposed this wild mirror with the calm wood paneled wall. Helps me to see how it can be "dumbed" down and livable.
Zara Home and Blissliving Home offer dec pillows that could help play up this Rocker theme.
Z Gallerie has plenty to offer in this trend: studded umbrella holders, black flatware, skull wine bottles and faux fur throws.
Stylebabble
HOME FASHION-TEEN
Pottery Barn Teen certainly took a liking to this Rocker theme. They went as far as to offer an amp and guitars for girls and boys!?! Sounds like a great Holiday gift to me.
Delia's has had this "Pop music" bedding for sometime now, but I think it has more relevance this season.
U.O. has some beds in 80's fashion featuring musical motifs... this is one of the two.
So you have probably seen a lot of High School Musical and Camp Rock paraphernalia at Target already so I'll just add one image here...it's the hottest thing for tweens these days, aside from Hannah Montana and the Cheetah Girls...
So there you have it, the Rocker trend is sweeping the nation and continuing to grow...
I would like to continue tracking this trend and adding more as it grows. I expect there to be more rocker influence arising in restaurant interiors, hotels, and club themes. If you hear of anything please share.
