Saks Fifth Avenue Unveils Fall 2012 Trends

Jil Sander - Mixed Media Dress Sheer insets and textural, cable-knit sleeves offset this structural, corset-inspired knit style. Photo by Marton Perlaki, courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue.

[New York], August 3, 2012 - An overall mood of Eclectic Elegance emerges for the Fall 2012 season.

Decorative Fabrics
Whether for day or night, these fabrics add an incredible degree of richness to the season. They range from brocades with elements of shine to plush velvets to jacquards-either with texture or in geometric patterns.

Masculine/Feminine
Menswear gets a feminine touch for fall, with houndstooth checks, herringbones, Glen plaids and pinstripes, providing inspiration for knitwear patterns and print design. Menswear fabrics are cut into ladylike silhouettes, from fitted jackets to sheath dresses and fluid trousers.

Unpredictable Leather
Leather has been used for virtually all categories this season, either in black or in one of the rich, natural hues of the season. From outerwear and jackets to tops, skirts, trousers and dresses, leather appears both all-over and as trims, patches and insets. Look for leather sleeves as a key detail on jackets and coats.

Eclectic Outerwear
We love military-inspired pieces like pea coats, duffle coats and officers' coats. Elsewhere, outerwear boasts bold pops of color or opulent embellishments. Look for sporty parkas, cozy blanket stripes, plaids, puffy jackets and vests. Fur trim is everywhere, including hemlines, sleeves and collars.

Super Stitches
Fall's knitwear shows off dimensional stitching. Look for exaggerated cables and updated fisherman's knits, as well as lacy and crochet stitches.

The Sleeved Slim Dress
This universally flattering look creates a sleek line while covering the arms.

Peplum
This feminine flounce helps accentuate the waist. Look for it on jackets and coats as well as dresses and tops.

Printed Pants
When was the last time pants were the centerpiece of your look? Animal prints, decadent brocades and artful patterns grab all the attention.

Luxe Structured Bags
Minimal meets maximal this fall, as simple structured shapes are embellished to the hilt.

Pointy-Toe Pumps
Sharpen your look with a pair of these power heels-they can add both an assertive edge and feminine flair.

'80s Excess Jewelry
More, more, more! Big jewels, bright color, stacked bangles and brilliant shine recall the decade of decadence.

Beauty Trends

Saturated Lip Color
Lips are far from understated this fall. The palette is deep and rich, and orange-red is ascendant.

Cat Eye
The '60s staple returns. Eyes are well-defined and fe-lined for a high-contrast evening look.

Fresh Face
From cleansing regimes to illuminating foundations, fall's beauty innovations aim to get your skin looking pure and radiant.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Colleen Sherin, Senior Fashion Director, please contact Heather Hertz at 212.451.3649 or [email protected]

About Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 45 full-line stores in 21 states, 2 licensed stores in the Middle East and 2 licensed stores in Mexico City, 63 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store.

Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Champion and is one of only 50 U.S. companies so named.
www.saksfifthavenue.com