With the market for fashionable maternity-wear growing at a tremendous rate, and stores like Mamas and Papas supplanting young fashion brands on Regent St, maternity designers are keenly watching the catwalks to spot what trends can be adapted for their consumers. We were wondering which looks those in the industry see being worn by expectant mothers next season (no, not for any personal reasons!), so decided to pick the brains of the best in the business- Liz Lange. A retail pioneer who is credited with developing the idea of maternity chic, Liz not only has a very successful range of boutiques, but has also created a Liz Lange for Nike line of maternity active wear, and the Liz Lange for Target maternity line.
What trends do you see being adapted for the maternity market?
There were two big trends on the fall 2007 runways that will resonate with the maternity market—the dress and knitwear. The shape of the dress for fall is perfect for expectant moms. Dresses appeared in fly-away shapes that stand away from the body. Many featured empire waists, which accommodates a bump. And hemlines continue to stay high allowing moms-to-be to show off their best assets during the late stages of pregnancy—their legs. Knitwear is always a trend that is good news in the maternity market. Knits—from jersey dresses to sweaters—allow expectant moms to wear fitted clothing in comfort during every stage of pregnancy. Luckily, knits maintained a significant presence during show week in New York with collections such as Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors.
What pieces/ designer collections do you suggest pregnant women buy next season?
Pregnant women should look forward to wearing short modish shift dresses with textured tights and a great coat. It’s a very polished look for fall 2007 that works for an expectant mom. One trend to skip would be the wide leg trousers which can make you look boxy and top heavy. The key is to show off a little leg for fall.
Some designer looks suited to maternity wear included: Narciso Rodriguez’s slim leg pant paired with knee-skimming jacket and tunic length tops. Diane Von Furstenberg’s shift dress with a large color block print. Calvin Klein’s wool egg-shaped coats and Proenza Schouler’s stretchy knit sweater dresses and full coats.
Will the maternity market follow the same color/print/fabrication trends as the runways?
Minimalism is creeping back into the fashion consciousness, but it’s always been present in maternity design. The colors on the fall 2007 runways were very neutral—greys, blacks, whites, beiges. Classic colors that slim the body and easily mix in with statement pieces are important in maternity wear. My Liz Lange for Target line is all about the basics for 2007—a basic black shift dress, a basic grey suit, a simple white tee for layering. All of these building blocks of a wardrobe came down the runways in one form or another. All women need classic, basic pieces in their wardrobe whether they’re expecting or not.
What is your opinion of runway designers embracing maternity wear?
I don’t know that runway designers consciously make an effort to embrace maternity wear, but every season there seems to be certain silhouettes and constructions that translate well. In the past few years we’ve seen flattering trends such as slim leg pants, trapeze dresses, egg-shaped coats, short hems and tunics that work for expectant women too.
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