Ken Downing. The Fashion Force Behind Neiman Marcus On Key Trends

Who better to tell us about what to wear now and the Spring Trends from Milan and Paris (at an intimate tea party) than the superb Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing.  Known worldwide as one of the hardest working and respected veterans in the fashion industry,  Ken has his pulse on just the right styles.  He is wonderful at identifying and mixing the looks that will work in your wardrobe and actually able to communicate it all in very funny, bite-size snippets, just like tea sandwiches. That’s The Brunette with Ken and thank goodness I wore a pantsuit. I was right on the mark.

So, what is Ken supporting right now and this Spring?  Here are the highlights…and many of the looks from the show. Some of it may sound very familiar as we’ve been right on-trend at The Blonde and The Brunette!  To quote Ken, “Feminine pantsuits and pants, pants, pants with layering and coats and jackets! Leopard shoes. Creams and off-whites. A touch of mustard. More is more is more is more. Statement necklaces. And mix your good girl with your bad girl.” What does that mean? Mix your good jewelry with your faux jewelry wardrobe or simple, sophisticated with sparkle. “Lace, coats with sequins. Mix and match  tweeds with textures, Victorian blouses. Long necklaces now and into Spring. Did I say long necklaces! Long necklaces! More necklaces. Linguine pearls! Feathers!! The thrill of the quail.  Spring into Spring with Tuxedo or dinner jackets. Over everything!” Colors from dirty rose, to eggplant, copper, magento and flowers, flowers, flowers everywhere, prints, blushes.”  Trends from sexy, conceptual dresses to Vera Wang necklaces. Hot designer’s Ken loves include Haider Ackerman, Victoria Beckham, Stella McCarty, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and many more and a Givenchy evening bag that made everyone gasp! I didn’t make this up. It all happened yesterday and we were all mesmerized, laughing and grateful. As Ken says, ” It’s not fashion. It’s art!!!!”

1. Lace. Lace. Lace. a) Jean Paul Gaultier Long-Sleeve Lace Tunic, b) D&G Lace Blazer and Lace Overlay Sheath Dress, c) Elizabeth & James Lace James Blazer, d) Stella McCartney Lace Blouse and One-Button Wool Blazer
2. Pearls, especially when mixed with other materials.  e) Neiman Marcus Mixed Pearl Shag Necklace, f) Vera Wang Multi-Strand Pearl Necklace, g) Kenneth Jay Lane Wrapped Pearl & Chain Necklace
3. Leopard shoes. a) Christian Louboutin Miss Amelie Pump, b) Giuseppe Zanotti Leopard Print Mid Boot, c) Jimmy Choo Leopard Pony Buckle Flat,
4. More is more.

– The Brunette