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Fluff's out, tough's in
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-20 13:45 The Thakoon runway was filled with graffiti-paint fur - a "so-what?" statement to the down economy, perhaps - narrow sheaths and cool coats. The finale look, a sequined one-shoulder dress with a dramatic bow to top it off was a fine piece of handiwork with the beads appearing to float between layers of tulle. Add scrunchy socks and high-top sneakers to the list of '80s styles making a comeback. Marc Jacobs gave his punk princess something to wear during the day at his Marc by Marc Jacobs show on Tuesday: cozy jumpsuits, colorful stripes and schoolgirl plaids. Many designers have taken a more somber tone. Not Jacobs, who presented an explosion of mustard, red, purple and green - sometimes all in one outfit. Pants with a loose fit, many with zippers down the side revealing inset patterns, were tucked inside socks for a more wearable harem pant silhouette. Footwear included high tops for men and women, along with fur-covered boots. The new British invasion came with an explosion of color on the catwalk of designer Matthew Williamson. And it wasn't just one or two wild brights in a sea of black, as other designers have done. Williamson instead created a kaleidoscope of crimson, coral, mint green and turquoise - and then shook it up. He had success with metallic jacquards, both a sunset-colored sunburst that brightened up a mini-dress and a mint green-and-silver, skinny-leg pantsuit, and a slinky Spirograph-print column dress with a high neck and beaded sleeves was fresh and modern even if it was something the coolest housewife on the block would have worn in the 1970s. For the tough chick who might occasionally crave a ruffle, or a delicate wisp of a woman who lusts after a little leather, there's Cynthia Steffe. The brand, now designed by Shaun Kearny, debuted its fall styles with pieces that fit the overall tough tone the industry has adopted for next season, yet were carried out more subtly. The show opened with dresses that walked that fine line, including a buttery black leather dress with a ruffle running vertically down one side and a hunter-green hammered charmeuse dress with a leather yoke and exposed back zipper. Other trends Kearny hit were peplums, fabric that juts out at the hips, balancing out the strong shoulders. |
