Watch for these 5 fashion trends

Published 12:01 am Sunday, January 23, 2011

At the start of a new year, it’s time to gear up for the fashion trends, people and happenings that will define 2011.

Skirts falling

At last, some clothes for women who don’t look to the Kardashians for style tips. The tyranny of the mini is over, and skirts are getting longer. Midi, maxi and knee-length skirts were all over the runways in collections for spring 2011 shown by Jil Sander, Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent and more. They’ll be seen in a variety of price ranges, and I’ve got my eye on a sparkler from J. Crew’s spring collection.

Tom Ford

The sultan of sex who defined fashion in the 1990s at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent is returning to women’s wear at last, after a break of six years.

Come Oscar week in February, he will roll out the red carpet for real and throw a party for his new boutique on Rodeo Drive.

Fashion on film

Due out in June is the Madonna-directed film “W.E.” (after the first initials of Wallis Simpson and Edward, the Duke of Windsor), about the love affair that cost Edward the British throne. Arianne Phillips is designing the costumes for the notorious fashion plates, so I expect great things.

Royal aisle style

I still remember staying up all night to watch Prince Charles’ and Lady Diana Spencer’s nuptials in 1981, and I know, come April 29, I will be glued to the screen again watching Prince William and Kate Middleton. The gown, the flowers, the cake — the world is waiting in breathless anticipation.

The Gaga effect

Fashion editor and stylist Nicola Formichetti, a frequent Lady Gaga collaborator (yes, he was behind the meat dress), will show his first collection, fall 2011, as the new creative director for the house of Thierry Mugler. Chrome hip fins? Metallic leotards? I can honestly say I have no idea what to expect, but I might wear a raincoat just in case.