THE OUTLAW COULD BE YOUR IN-LAW:

If you’re looking for trends, look no further than the shadowy characters you see in movies and on TV. With skull and bones, skeletons and funeral fashion making their debut in mainstream fashion it’s time to take a peek at this underground underworld sensibility. And why not – the media has been glamorizing outlaws and misfits for a while now – it was only a matter of time before this sinister side of humanity began filtering down to fashion.

Case in point: The Wall Street Journal recently printed an article called “Born to Be Mild.” It heralds the motorcycle as the new “toy” for upscale men with a penchant for riding around like Jesse James or Peter Fonda in “Easy Rider.” What is so interesting about the trend is that this rough riding customer could very well hinge on the fringe of being a Ralph Lauren customer during the work week.

According to the WSJ motorcycle sales have gone up 57% since 2000 and…”As motorcycle sales continue to grown, these icons of tough-guy rebellion featured in films like “The Wild One” and “Easy Rider” are being refashioned for an older chubbier crowd that wants the same features found on up-market sedans.” The older more affluent customers are called “Geezer Glides” because their motorcycles come equipped with cell phone hook-ups, heated handgrips and windshields that protect from the elements.

Another important fact to keep in mind is that the average age of a motorcycle owner rose to 41 while the number of women owners rose 10%. According to those in the know men (and some women) are riding motorcycles to escape. Aside from blue jeans and iPods it’s important to know that your customer is in escape mode most of the time. They want products and services that exhilarate and tantalize them. Right now what turns them on are outlaw themes and off- color motifs. I think that could be the reason that hipsters and rock stars are wearing head wraps, bandanas and gangster props.

What does that mean to you? Be on the lookout for hats and caps that fit the life of the underworld. Even indicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff wore fedoras and caps during his trial. We’ll keep you posted on other new items that ex-cons and fashion renegades are wearing. Be aware that skull and bones motifs are not the end of this tough guy (or gal) trend. With so many congressman and senators facing jail time - rather than prime time - it’s a sure bet that white collar crime fashion trends will also surface. I suppose it’s a go for the gangster hats of all sizes and shapes.

THE OUTLAW CAN BE YOUR INLAW