2009: FASHION DOWN but NOT OUT

Throughout 2008, the world of fashion alternately smiled and bared its teeth as the big luxury brands hired and abruptly axed contract designers with apparent equanimity.
It was also the year fashion lost one of its most celebrated leaders, Yves Saint Laurent.
Retail took a turn for the worse as the economy nosedived and stores rushed to unload luxury merchandise at unprecedented discounts. But fashion, unlike those industries pleading for bailouts, is a tough cookie. It may be down, but it's not out.
Herewith, a short list of things to look forward to, on and off the runway, in 2009:

 IT'S GOING TO BE A SUNSHINY YEAR

Pantone, the self-described "global authority on colour," has declared mimosa the colour of 2009. Pantone 14-0848, a bright sunny yellow, "embodies hopefulness and reassurance in a climate of change," says the company. The colour commentators are surprisingly optimistic even as fashion designers offer early warnings that their fall collections will embrace – what else? – black.
the world WELCOMES a NEW FASHION ICON
Since the death of Princess Diana, the fashion world has been searching for a truly global style icon. And they've found her in Michelle Obama. Smart, strong and fearless, she has been anything but predictable in her wardrobe choices, which include Gap and J.Crew. And the single most important outfit in 2009 will be what she wears to the inauguration of her husband as president of the United States on Jan. 20. Yes, the occasion will be historic on many levels, but you can bet the most heated discussion the next morning will be about The Gown.

WHO SAYS I'M 50

She has millions of fans. She has a wardrobe to die for. She endured much criticism throughout the years, including some from the feminist front. She survived scandals such as the one surrounding the questionable sexuality of her long-suffering boyfriend. No, it's not Oprah. Barbie turns 50 in the new year and, still looking fabulous, will celebrate this milestone with a series of events, including her own fashion show at New York Fashion Week in February, with big-name designers creating her outfits.

BAD BOY SEAN

Suspended hockey bad boy Sean Avery may have started a trend of celebrities wanting to work – free, no less – in the fashion industry. In 2008, the NHLer took part in a much-publicized intern stint at Vogue. Now Kanye West has said he wants to intern at a fashion house. Look for him this year at either Louis Vuitton or Jil Sander. The hip-hop artist says he wants some hands-on experience before launching his own line. Finally, a celebrity who admits he could learn something from the fashion biz.

HERE COMES THE '80s – AGAIN

The one fashion trend that looks set to take over '09 is the return of the '80s. With pop stars like Katy Perry and Lady GaGa channelling the early '80s, and Louis Vuitton re-issuing the famed Stephen Sprouse collection – this time in neon graffiti – watch for the return of Day-Glo colours, shoulder pads and looks reminiscent of Pat Benatar, early Madonna and the girlie charm of Molly Ringwald. Well, at least for the teenage set. Do any grown-ups want to relive that era?

FASHION GETS PUNK'D

A peculiar character was capturing attention at the collections in Europe this past season. Let's face it: you have to be eye-catching to distract the jaded fashion media at these shows. It was none other than Bruno, the gay Austrian fashion journalist and alter ego of actor Sacha Baron Cohen, who was filming his next movie, the follow-up to his hugely funny Borat. We can't wait for the movie release, expected sometime this year. In 2009, fashion will get a chance to laugh at itself.