STYLE

2001 A Fashion Odyssey

The Millennium. The new age in technology and fashion, which many a dead prophet has pondered and dreamed, has arrived. Daughter Judy may have been the "It Girl" of the Jetson's 21st century, but the space-disc headgear and jet-throttled backpack is lost in space in the real Y2K+ 1.

The beginning of a bright new year is a time for reflection and prompts the millennium mantra -- out with the old. "I am happy to see the end of the minimalist look of the '90s," said Lashley Elliot at Hub on Larimer. "The end of that androgynous and utilitarian style in drab colors."

"I'm relieved that the urban big baggy look is making its way out the door," echoed Trish Saldana at the recently relocated Buffalo Exchange on 13th Avenue. "It's too fun for girls to show off a little skin."

"It's nice to see men more comfortable in styles that fit them-- the new styles wear better, and look much better," said Ed Maes, manager at Imi Jimi on 13th Avenue. "I'm all about '80s denim right now."

Decades may come and go but the influences stay true. "Music has always influenced teens and fashion," said Sarah Lilly-Ray, manager at All-American Vogue on South Broadway, "but now, especially, it seems to be a huge influence in fashion in general."

The current trends seem to reflect simplicity provided by innovative fabrications. Pockets become removable, Velcro is added, and materials are developed for a more washable wear. "I am really digging all the new poly-micro fibers," said Corey Kemp at The Bridge on Broadway. "Shiny, soft, iridescent, and easy-care wear."

A modern wave of heat sensitive, water-and wind-resistant, even electrical motion sensitive trimmings (that respond to every move) are lighting up runways. "There is a lot going on in functional fabric," Elliot said. "There is an improvement in the quality of chemical treatments producing cool effects. We've seen a lot of use of these great effects in Levis and Diesel."

"One of the fabrics I'm really excited about is a bonded leather with Lycra stretch," Elliot added. Leather in prints, textures, or dyes has made a huge resurgence in urban chic.

Saldana agreed: "Leather is showing its face again in reds, dark maroons, and even shades of 1970 retro green."

"It's obvious that the '70s and '80s are in; however, vintage stuff gives everything a new take," Lilly-Ray said. "Vintage band shirts and cutie t-shirts with rhinestones are in very high demand."

"I think supermodels are influencing the super '70s look," Saldana said, "and there will always be a place for vintage. You can't help but love a good vintage piece."

Rock star studs and logo t-shirts may pledge to stay for another season, but expect a twist of elegance to quickly emerge as well. "With the Republicans in the White House, I think we'll continue to see glitz and glamour with a return to feminine silhouettes," Elliot said.

The spring season is ready to kick into full gear. The upcoming year promises to introduce modern technology into style, while sleek and contemporary lines will replace all those old established conservative staples. "Like the days of disco," Kemp said, "the men's pointed-toe kilted-tassel dress shoe must die."

--Kity Ironton