A Declaration of Spring
Statement pieces steal the shows
Designer at right: Dennis Basso
Toss off your gloves and wave goodbye to the snowy blasts and frigid temps that defined the Triangle this winter. Spring fashion’s roaring, and it’s got something to say to everyone.
Creativity ruled the runways at New York’s fashion week. Kooky catwalk turns were inevitable, but the buzz swirled around floaty fabrics, shimmering textiles, asymmetrical designs — beautiful pieces you could imagine women in the Triangle actually wearing. We could be flirts in metallic sheaths, romantics in ruffled gowns, bohemians in tribal jackets, girlfriends in striped shirts, even club ladies in belted ensembles.
The season’s standouts are tempting to the fierce as well as the artful and the wholesome. Take color for example: Sherbet hues aren’t shy, but neither are black/white combos. Despite some peekaboo cutouts and other indiscretions, right-now outfits are cheerful and fluttery, with a touch of sophistication, giving Triangle women a reason to go back into stores with their credit cards on charge.
This month, in Part 1 of Carolina Woman’s spring 2010 fashion report, we’ll explore fresh trends with an ultra-femme snap: belts, black and white, neutrals, ruffles, stripes. Next month, in Part 2, we’ll focus on more glam ideas.
Stripes
Horizontal, vertical or diagonal, these clean lines range from skinny edges to bold bands — sometimes all in the same garment.
Designers from left to right: Nanette Lepore, Dennis Basso, Peter Som, Thuy
Ruffles
Nothing subtle here: Rich confections hold your interest with gorgeous, billowy, voluminous drama.
Designers from left to right: Pamella Roland, Rebecca Taylor, Cynthia Steffe, Toni Maticevski
Black & White
The classic mix of ebony and ivory is made mod in everything from upbeat pants to evening gowns to fun frocks to cool-grid sheaths.
Designers from left to right: Venexiana, TONYCOHEN, Tracy Reese, Venexiana
Belts
Triangle women who are tired of tightening their belts now can do it literally — and with great style. Cinchers turn up where you least expect it, such as center field in barely-there dresses. Thick or thin, wrapped or buckled, silk or leather, sashes create an hourglass silhouette, define a waist, reshape a garment, tie a look together.
Designers from left to right: Lela Rose, Eric Raisina, Allude, Carlos Miele
All photos courtesy Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.