Last February a record number of retailers swung by Pure Womenswear at Olympia, London, for the latest buying opportunities. Pure has become one of the top womenswear trade events on the buying calendar boasting over 800 brands on show. Independents that visited the February edition included the likes of Diverse, Subcouture and Sunday Best as well as department stores Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Liberty.

With so many brands under one roof, along with styled catwalk shows and trend presentations from Drapers, Pure provides a good insight into the key commercial styles for the coming season.

Pauline Tyrer, Buyer from Fall Woman, UK, commented: “Pure is great for getting an overall view of fashion trends. The catwalk show was amazing and a great trend leader giving a feel for up and coming looks and textures. This season, I also saw some lovely accessories and took away product advice on what pieces will sit well in my store.”

Trends for the Autumn/Winter 06/07 season…

The structured mood looks set to continue, think Hitchcock’s leading ladies in country classic fabrics such as glen-checked tweeds and herringbone. Smart tailoring with a masculine edge is softened by the addition of blouses or tops in slippery silks or delicate chiffons. Reflecting the designer catwalks layering is key with dresses worn over polo necks and light as air blouses worn under cropped sweaters and cardigans. Emphasis is placed on good quality fabrics in flattering well-cut shapes. Colour, meanwhile, remains fairly sober in a palette of black, brown, slate, forest green, neutral and berry, lifted by accents of red, silver, petrol, rust and mustard.

Key Trends:

Wide Trousers - A la Catherine Hepburn, cut wide on the leg for a touch of 40s flavour – a commercial look that flatters the majority of body shapes and can be dressed up or down.

Frocks - While skirts appeared in tulip, puffball and fluted shapes, it seems, the knee-length dress is in for another dominant season. Key shapes include; baby doll, empire line, shift, shirtwaister and wraparound.

Top-notch Fabrics - Designers have made the high street copycat game a tad more difficult by incorporating hand-crafted techniques and top-notch fabrics. Brands at Pure have taken note and quality fabrics are particularly strong for the Autumn/Winter season. Look out for silk chiffons, tweeds, leathers, brocades, velvets, cashmere, fur-trims, metallic weaves and textured, crumpled materials. The combination of contrasting fabrics within one piece also proved popular.

Structured Coats - Brands know that a good coat is often regarded as a seasonal investment – so expect plenty of tempting choices come autumn. Structured styles shine through with design attention focused on the collar. Trench coats arrive in winter weight fabrics alongside trapeze lines and peacoats, while fur-trims look set to become the embellishment of the season.

Texture & Knitwear – All part of the layering trend, the idea is to combine a variety of textures and tones. Here, feminine knits are key with open and fine gauge varieties - perfect for adding a layer or two. Recommended shapes include; shawl collar cardigans, short sleeved sweaters, wrap tie and ballerina styles.

Other Key Trends Noted at Pure:

-          Fine pleats

-          Cowl & Funnel necklines

-          Bracelet sleeves

-          Belted waists

-          Fur trims

-          Puff hems and sleeves

-          40s vintage details

-          Nipped-in jackets

-          Cropped straight-leg trousers

-          Ruffles

-          Subtle use of embellishment

-          Hoods

-          Hints of animal print

-          Touch of Eastern influence

-          Pendants

-          Late 80s inspired stretch jersey

-          Cone heels

-          Knitted hats

-          Opaque legwear

-          Roomy bags

The next edition of Pure Womenswear is scheduled for 6^th-8^th August 2006 at Olympia, London. www.purewomenswear.co.uk

Words by JoJo Iles www.fashionpr.co.uk

Images by Pure Marketing Dept, JoJo Iles and Sinclair www.tendollar.biz