Fiery Reds, Dappled Prints in Fashion Forecast

Fabric Prints  Although the looks shown here won't be available for months, thepre-spring 2009 collections can offer fashion addicts some hints atthe direction fashion will take in the months ahead. With a fewwise choices from what's in stores now, some trends from pre-spring2009  especially in colors and hemlines  can be worked into yourcurrent wardrobe. A bright palette of colors is standard fare for pre-spring, and forseveral 2009 collections, varitions on aqua blue and coral red werewell represented. Oscar de la Renta showed a blue strapless gown with a cascade of pleated ruffles onthe skirt. At Dior, a fiesta palette reigned, but an embellishedtwo-piece jacket in a pretty shade of turquoise echoed the poolsidetheme of the show. A luscious shade of red has popped up in severalcollections, too. At Celine, a   was used forsleeveless dresses and full skirts, while dresses made from a boldshade called azalea stood out at Max Azria. Charles Nolan used adeep brick red for a belted cotton trench. Even at CostumeNational, known for its devotion to black, suits were shown in aflaming red. Likewise, at Bottega Veneta, where the color palettehas been muted in recent seasons, vibrant shades of coral turned upon color-blocked dresses. Though floral prints have dominated the runways for both spring andfall 2008, the next step of that trend is toward more mottledprints and smudged colors. A tiered sheath dress at Dior was cutfrom a white fabric dotted with faded black-eyed Susans. Severaldresses at Max Azria were made in a print that suggested thedappled sunlight and shadows cast by overhanging trees. Elie Taharibrushed hazy watercolor prints onto a feather-light one-shoulderdress and flowy blouses of mauve, black, and cr