What’s in, what’s out? Here’s what fashion insiders think will be big for fashion in 2013.

THE nature of fashion is such that – to borrow Project Runway’s popular catchphrase – one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out.

But don’t fret if you’re unsure of what to wear in the year ahead. We spoke to local fashion insiders on what they deem to be hot trends of 2013. The following queries were posed to them:

Sunitha Thayaparan

Deputy editor, Harper’s Bazaar Malaysia

1)        Asian inspirations will always play a winning hand with variations on a theme, deconstructed kimonos and a masculine take on origami folds as seen on the Spring/Summer 2013 runways – think Hermes and Haider Ackermann – but the hottest trend we’ll see will have to be the return of the “power suit”, in particular, the trouser, which gives women a lot more versatility and room to play. From cool skinnies, to slouchy yet elegant cuts, the trouser will lead the fashion pack for the season.

2)       I’m dying to see what Alexander Wang has in store for Balenciaga’s Fall/Winter collection 2013. It’s a phenomenal shift for the brand, which had that rich Ghesquiere aesthetic for 15 years, so I’m excited to see how Wang will merge his cool New York sensibilities with it. On a personal note, I always have an eye out for Rick Owens’ work.

3)        Make monochrome a part of your fashion vocabulary. Invest in a great jacket; it is the essential styling tool. And platform heels will save your life and let you power network at cocktail parties.

Syomir Izwa

Fashion designer

1) The return of the low waist, minimalism and softer shoulders.

2)        Alexander Wang! Just because I’m excited to see this brilliant designer’s work; it’ll be fresh and tasteful.

3)        Dark maroon matte lips (remember the mid- 90s?), low waist trousers and the return of black.

Melinda Looi

Fashion designer and Star2 columnist (Mel’s Place)

1) The peplum will still be in trend for 2013. Flare skirts and shapes – short or long – will be hot. Boxy-looking tops are in too. And studs ... they don’t seem to die.

2) It will be exciting to see how Alexander Wang can put his touch to Balenciaga. I hope they maintain the look, like what Karl Lagerfeld did for Chanel.

3) Well, the peplum! It can be in the form of a skirt, belt or top. Studs will still be hot as accessories.

Stephanie Chai

Entrepreneur and celebrity model-host

1) Judging from the Spring/Summer 2013 shows, graphic prints and cool stripes are in. There is a bit of 60s feel. Generally, the trend is to go for minimalism. 2) Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. I love what he did for the Spring/Summer show – the clothes, the music, everything about the show was amazing and it’s the only one from S/S that I’ve watched many times! I wasn’t a fan of some of his prior collections but his 2013 range is fresh, fun and vibrant. 3) Anything Miu Miu. I’m loving all their shoes and bags at the moment!

Leslie Variyan

Fashion designer

1) I am someone that goes for style, not trends. I love the peplum detail, and have created many versions of the peplum for my collection. At the end of the day, customers decide trends by what they buy; they decide what’s in and what’s not. 2) Jason Wu, Badgley Mischka, Elie Saab and Emilio Pucci. Their designs are practical, sexy and elegant.

3) A glamourous black number/dress/caftan for the lady in you.

Peter Lum

Fashion stylist

1) I have a funny feeling that after the flounce and poof of the peplum, the next possible trend will be cleaner lines. If not, the peplum trend can continue to grow into pumpkin gowns and other fuller shapes in silhouette. I think that stripes will play a more prominent role in 2013. Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, chevron and even stripes constructed out of various geometric or other shapes and patterns. Apart from stripes, another idea will be geometrics, i.e. outlines and contrast trims to highlight the silhouette and details on the apparel.

2) Hedi Slimane for YSL. I love what he did during his tenure with Christian Dior Men, and I am very excited to know what updates he has for YSL Women, namely Saint Laurent Paris. I love the older houses and designers from the 20s till the 70s. YSL was so important during the 60s, 70s and even the 80s. I love to see his trends and styles updated by Slimane. Another house that I will always adore and admire is Chanel.

3) Stripes or bold geometric prints! But be careful how much of them you pick to wear at a time, as too much can make you look like dizzying and eye-popping; a bad optical illusion. For newbies, try a statement piece of apparel and pair it with solid basic to address the trend.

Dzireena Mahadzir

Acting editor of Clove

1) After all the embellishments, brocades and drama during Fall, next season sees more minimalism, classic clean lines and cuts. There were a number of looks that were predominant during the Spring/Summer S2013 collections: transparency, ruffles, patchwork (multilayer of textures and patterns), prints, graphics, suits and plenty of skin. So any of those looks should be incorporated in your wardrobe next season.

2) The trio of designers: Raf Simons (Dior), Hedi Slimane (Yves Saint Laurent) and Alexander Wang (Balenciaga).

As Simons and Slimane have given us a taste of what to expect from them, Wang is definitely on the must-watch list.

3) A toned body. Realistically, that’s the only way to look good in any of next season’s clothes!

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