NYFW S/S 2012 Is Finally Here.... Tobe Unveils The Ones To Watch!

TOBE UNVEILS ITS ONES TO WATCH AT FASHION WEEK

Fashion Expert Catherine Moellering Calls Out Top Five Newcomers, Icons and Trends

New York, NY – September 08, 2011 – Tobe, the international fashion and retail authority, today unveiled its “ones to watch” at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.  As fashion followers prepare for the seemingly endless array of hemlines, colors and cuts, EVP of Tobe, Catherine Moellering, calls out her top five newcomers, icons and trends.

Tobe’s Top 5 Newcomers to Watch

1.   Bibhu Mohapatra – with a fresh take on evening dressings, Bibhu Mohapatra is poised to set the new standard of modern glamour.

2.   J. Crew – While some fashion purists might shudder at a mall brand showing at fashion week, there’s no doubt this show will impact the trend landscape in a way most elite designers can only dream about. 

3.   NUMBER: Lab - Fashion and function meet in this hot menswear brand, which wasrecently selected to participate in the uber exclusive CFDA Fashion Incubator program. 

4.   Libertine - Bold color and graphic prints were standouts from Johnston Hartig’s debut collection last fall. Now, his Spring 2012 show will prove whether or not he has staying power.

5.   Timo Weiland - Their well-received Fall 2011 collection answered the question:  What would happen if Gloria Vanderbilt and Keith Richards traveled to India together in the 1960’s?  If the line has what it takes to flourish, we will all be in for a great fashion trip. 

Tobe’s Top 5 Icons to Watch

1.   Tommy Hilfiger - With the ever-talented Peter Som behind the scenes and seams, this show is sure to set the newest standard for updated preppy fashion.

2.   Donna Karan - When it seems like every major fashion house is designing for adolescent girls, you can count on Donna Karan to present a collection that celebrates women. Savvy retailers know that Donna Karan’s elegant designs are money in the bank.

3.   Alexander Wang - Existing on the cusp between newcomer and established designer,Alexander Wang’s maturing design sense still speaks to downtown hipsters, but his ability to influence a wider audience of consumers should grow as well.

4.   Jason Wu - He became a household name after designing Michelle Obama’s 2005 inaugural gown.  Now, with newly minted deals for swimwear, handbags, and sunglasses, Wu is well on his way to becoming the next big designer lifestyle brand.

5.   Marc Jacobs - Arguablythe most controversial American designer of our time, Marc Jacobs’ follow-up to last year’s YSL-influenced spring collection is one of the most anticipated of the week.

Tobe’s Top 5 Trends to Watch

1.   Bold Color – Representing one of the most successful trends of the Spring 2011 season, will bright color evolve even bolder for Spring 2012? Will it veer into neon territory? Or will it return to a more muted palette?

2.   Skirt Lengths - The “midi” skirt which hits mid-calf has been in fashion flux for a few seasons, but has not gained wide-spread appeal. Its appearance on the Spring 2012 runways could give it the boost it needs to become a full-fledged trend.

3.   Graphic Prints and Stripes - From Prada’s banana prints to Marc Jacobs’ bold stripes, graphic elements and offbeat pattern mixing have been driving sales from luxury to mass market. Will the print-happy cycle continue?

4.   Pants – Last Spring’s collections re-introduced bell bottoms to a generation dominated by skinny jeans. Retailers and consumers alike will be looking to the Spring 2012 catwalk for direction on the new must-have denim bottom.

5.   70’s - From high-waist flares to floppy fedoras, the glamorous vibe of the 70’s felt right in Spring 2011 after the recession’s austerity…Will the disco ball continue to spin?