Fashion changes a lot in a quarter century. Guests at Neiman Marcus’ recent 25th anniversary party at Cherry Creek Shopping Center had only to look at fashion and society photographs mounted on a wall for the occasion to see that. Many of the people in the pictures would look stylish today, but two trends that looked extremely dated were linebacker-strength shoulder pads and fussy sleeves.
“Wow, can you believe we wore those?” asked Nancy Sagar, the store’s public relations director, who was also celebrating 25 years with the company in Denver.
The evening, which the store called “Then. Now. Next,” included a fashion show of fall trends, because soon it will be time to retire the shorts and sandals for the season.
Eight female models and one male took to the runway on the store’s second floor atrium. Among the big trends for fall is what they’re calling “folklorica,” clothes embellished with fringe, embroidery, patchwork and lace.
Two stand-out color trends for the seasons are a variety of reds, sometimes mixed in a single outfit, and winter white. Expect to also see a lot of variety in outerwear, with ponchos, capes, vests and dusters in addition to classic coats.
If you’re tired of skinny jeans, you’re in luck because flared jeans and tailored pants are making a return, as are chunky-heeled shoes to anchor them.
The red palette was also shown for men, as were sophisticated updates on such casual classics as hoodies, backpacks and biker jeans.
After the fashion show, as guests and staffers shopped and looked at the retro photo wall, they shared what they consider the best and worst fashion trends of the past 25 years. Here’s what a few had to say.
Sylvia Atencio, Denver image consultant and personal stylist
Best: “The leather motorcycle jacket. Originally created in the 1920s, it has never lost its appeal… It’s still considered cool and rebellious.”
Worst: “The neon track suit. This two-piece garment has never looked flattering on anyone!”
Abby Miller, blogger at
Best: “The evolution of nudes and neutrals over all. Black used to be the only color that transitioned from season to season and went with everything, now other neutrals such as nude, blush, camel, gray and cream can be worn with pretty much anything anytime of year.”
Worst: “Chokers and velour sweatsuits.”
Britt Jackson, Neiman’s vice president and general manager
Best: Black, because “it never goes out of style.”
Worst: Color-blocking, since “you end up looking like a Lego.”
Nancy Sagar, Neiman Marcus public relations director
Best: “The evolution of denim.”
Worst: Droopy crotch pants, often known as MC Hammer pants, or Jaipur pants, from the Indian locale that inspired them.
Charles Goldstein, Neiman Marcus sales associate
Best: “Beautiful floral prints, like Oscar de la Renta is known for.”
Worst: Short shorts and rompers.
Holly Kylberg, owner of Clock Tower Events
Best: “Over-the-knee boots.”
Worst: “Neon.”
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697, sbrown@denverpost.com or
