Developments in the Retail Industry

Lately, most retail stores and chains have been suffering due to the economic recession. Therefore, some stores are trying to counteract this and still make their sales. Since there is this "green" phase going on right now, a lot of stores are making organic clothing or ones that do not harm the environment. A lot of people feel that if they buy an organic cotton tshirt over a regular cotton fabric tshirt that they are helping out the environment. Ironically, however, the making of organic cotton does help in the growing phase just not in the actual production. Many of the materials and machinery can not be reused and are then in turn thrown into land fills (causing harm to the environment-ironic).
Basically, my point is that a lot of clothing companies are conforming to this green movement in high hopes to help their sales increase.
Here is a young boy modeling an organic cotton tshirt:

Main Trends of NY Fashion Week

For Fall 2009:

There were a lot of dark or muted colors. I saw animal prints like leopard skin as well as lined patterns. They mostly were dresses. Also, many of the dressed were boxy and loose fitting-I do not think they were very flattering at all. There are lots of leggings and tights, it seemed as if though all of the dresses had them.
Lots of high waisted skirts with loose fitting, solid colored tops. (These also had tights/leggings). Some designers had some metallic pieces snuck in-through leggings, tops, jackets and even a few dresses.
Most of the lines have very similar items or "themes."

Ethnic Influences

There are many ethnic influences in fashion, whether it be through accessories or clothing. There seems to be a lot of Indian influence in clothing and accessories lately. I think this is because the "bohemian look" is popular. Also, some people get a lot of influence from Asian countries for wrap dresses, as well as using vibrant colors (this can be true for Indian influence as well).

Last year during fashion week, there seemed to be a lot of African influence in designer's lines. They had a lot of blacks and greens and it had an African "fee" to it. Also, jewelry wise, bangles are popular and those descend from India.

Organic/Environmental Friendly Clothing

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Organic and Environment Friendly Clothing, is American Apparel. They make 100% cotton and 100% organic cotton T-shirts. Also, all of their clothes are designed and manufactured in the USA. (Los Angeles, CA).

I also think of the "Life is Good" clothing and other products. A lot of their products are organic. Lately a lot of chain stores have been selling reusable shopping bags in attempt to be environmentally friendly, and stop the use of plastic bags. Some other these stores include: Target, Wal-Mart and Harris Teeter. It seems as though a lot of companies are really trying to help out the environment by selling organic cotton products and recycled items.

Ironically, I found out in my textiles class this semester that organic cotton growing is really harsh on the environment. The machines used put off pollution, and cannot be recycled. Also, cotton is the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world (Source: http://www.eartheasy.com/wear_orgcot_clo.htm)