Ken Downing has his finger on the pulse of international fashion. As Senior Vice President and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus, Downing uses his unique perspective to set the fashion direction for the internationally beloved brand and is a global ambassador for good taste. When we heard that Downing was coming to Sydney, we just had to get his fashion forecast and favourite key pieces that every woman should have in her wardrobe.
Ken Downing’s vision is one of ‘femininity and romanticism’, which he says is the earmark of the woman who shops at Neiman Marcus. ‘I want woman to celebrate their feminine spirit, to celebrate their curves.’ That vision is combined with a keen eye for items that will remain stylish well beyond the moment. ‘When I find a trend, I want it to be a trend that has some sustainability and something that will last. And I’m also looking for something that a woman doesn’t already have in her wardrobe.’
So what are the key trends that Downing has his eye on right now? ‘I’m insane for a little white dress,’ says Downing, who recommends short options, or those that sit just above the ankle. ‘Everyone understands how to wear a little black dress, so, put that little black dress to the back of the closet – don’t get rid of it, because you’re going to re-love that little black dress over and over – but invest in a great little white dress that’s going to take you everywhere for the spring summer season.’
In terms of colour, spring and summer will be all about pink. From blush roses to shocking neons, the full spectrum of pink will be front and centre in upcoming seasons. Downing also recommends yellow ‘as a new neutral’, because of its ability to work well with black and white, as monochrome remains a central trend in upcoming months.
For footwear, Ken Downing recommends open summer boots, which are ideal for the warm Australian climate. ‘I love an open summer bootie because it has a real bit of aggression, but in a very sexy sort of a way. Even that little black dress you might tuck away for a couple of months, put a summer bootie underneath it, makes it look brand new and of the moment again.’
When it comes to this season’s most coveted bag, Downing’s suggestion is to leave your handbag at home. ‘You have to get a backpack. It is all about a backpack right now.’ Whilst his favourite is Alexander Wang’s ballet pink backpack for Balenciaga, Downing also points to Chanel, Celine and Proenza Schouler as great choices for backpack chic.
Ken Downing’s Three key wardrobe building blocks:
1. A crisp white shirt. ‘I call it ‘shirt chic,’ says Downing. ‘You’re going to wear it for day, and you’re going to translate it into your wardrobe for evening as well. I love a crisp white shirt for evening, it’s very Carolina Herrera. The chicest woman in the world.’
2. A pleated skirt. ‘There are pleated details throughout the whole season,’ says Downing, who recommends pleated skirts at any length. ‘Pleats really say to your closet, and say to everyone your walking around, I am of the moment, I am paying attention, I am fashion curious and I know what’s going on. So absolutely, a pleated skirt.’
3. A sleeveless jacket. Whether worn with bare arms, teamed with a crisp shirt or chiffon blouse, Downing names the sleeveless jacket as a must have for upcoming seasons, saying, ‘I like the idea of something that’s transitional, that’s great for a warm weather climate.’
For Ken Downing’s full international fashion forcast, watch the video below.
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