Sneak Peek... 2009 Hot Trend Alert

Bright colors are splattered on fabrics and furniture is being constructed from unconventional materials as if to give a nod to the abstract expressionists and pop artists of the 1950s. From flowing paint-splattered gowns, Warhol inspired dinnerware, Christmas wreaths made from computer parts, the Pop Art trend is something not to be missed in 2009.

Stay tuned… additional sneak peeks will be released over the next several months from our 2009 Trend Intelligence© forecast.

Just Can't Get Enough...

Sex and the City! In my last entry, I wrote about our family trip to Italy, and the trends we spotted in our travels. The entire country was buzzing about the movie and young fashionistas crowded the city streets. This week, back in the US, I open the latest edition of Traditional Home to find a feature on the girls' apartments from the film.

Led by Jeremy Conway, the show's production designer, and Lydia Marks, the set decorator, Carrie's apartment was based on the same design from the show, with a few updates. The new design included bright blue walls mixed with neutral linens in brown and beige, accompanied by art deco style mirrored furniture.

The scheme matches Carrie's ecclectic and experimental personality, and I think as the months continue, we will see a lot more experimenation in both the fashion and home decor worlds, with the focus being on self-expression.

Viva Italia!

I just returned from a 10-day vacation in Italy to celebrate our son's graduation from college with family and friends. What a special holiday and one I am sure that we will not forget any time soon.

We started our journey in Viterbo, Italy and explored the regions throughout Tuscany. Wherever our travels took us, even to remote, small Tuscan villages, it never ceased to amaze me the influence of popular culture through out the world.

Specifically, one day a friend of mine and I were shopping for ceramics in a beautiful mountain top town and it seemed everywhere we turned we saw posters in the small shop windows for Sex and the City, which coincidently opened in Italy around the same time as in the states. We also saw the influence of metallics (which I am sure preceded the movie) especially in sneakers for young and old, and a strong presence of skull and cross bones as well! Gold, both matte and polished, was apparent especially in sunglasses and accessories.

So it didn't surprise me when we ventured to Rome later on in the week to see young Carries, Samathas, Mirandas and Charlottes appearing through out the city fabulously dressed.(I still don't know how they walk in stilettos on the cobblestone streets).

Rome is overwhelming to the visual senses and tremendouly beautiful. It was comforting to say that nothing changed since my previous visit and it was a joy to share it with the rest of my family and close friends.

As we were touring the Pantheon, one of my son's favorites, we were taken by surprise when the police started blocking off the streets and my husband then saw movie cameras being strategically positioned. As we were engrossed in the magic of ancient Rome all of a sudden we heard "action" and Ron Howard and Tom Hanks appeared! They were filming the sequel to the Divinci Code, Angels and Demons! What unexpected fun, and a terrific ending to a magical holiday.

Enchantment Under the Sea

As the going green movement evolves, designers begin to look to the sea for their latest natural inspirations. The red carpets of Hollywood are lined with celebs in silver metallic gowns with layered detailing that is reminiscint of glittering fish scales and mermaid tails.

For home decor and giftware, designers are bringing the sea to the shore with seashell shaped serving bowls, sea turtle napkin rings, seahorse pillows and fish-tailed flatware.

Showcased in Life & Style Weekly

For Christmas, create an ocean themed tree with natural seashells, gold garland and ocean inspired ornaments.

Pewter seashell and lobster ornaments by Gloria Duchin, Inc.