TREND WATCH: FEMININE SOPHISTICATE
For Fall 2011 choose prim and proper tailoring, at all price points
Glamour has returned to fashion for Fall 2011, with a 1950’s design aesthetic front and center on the catwalk. Styles influenced by Christian Dior’s New Look hourglass shape have been revived this season—think: plunging necklines, bodices and sheath dresses, along with accessories such as gloves, scarves and pearls. To build on these trends and promote the premiere of the new season of the über-popular and stylish show, Banana Republic is releasing a limited edition Mad Men-inspired collection on August 11, 2011. The line is designed by famed costume designer Janie Bryant, who’s ability to authentically costume the characters on the show has brought her praise and fame. With 65 pieces in total for the BR collection, Bryant has updated ’50s versions of the full skirt by shortening the length and adding pockets, as well as lengthening the traditional Capri pant, offering women a practical take on the item. Bryant’s collaboration with the retailer offers consumers a fresh take on vintage-inspired dressing, with a heavy dose of classicism thrown in the mix.
Within the high-fashion world the vintage vein continues. At Marchesa, the NYC-based evening wear line designed by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the ’50s design influence is mixed with an old-Hollywood polish, showcased at their Resort 2012 preview. The collection offers a smattering of refined, show-stopping gowns ranging from light emerald chiffon to ice blue silk crepe. Some standouts include a fuchsia silk deep-v draped bodiced and full skirted frock, something Joan Holloway, played aptly by Christina Hendricks, would wear as a statement piece, to a long-sleeved silver embroidered, cowl-neck gown with draping open back perfect for January Jones’ Betty Draper to stun attendees at an political soiree. Effortless in their design, the Marchesa’s colour palette and choice of fabrics and gown styles are reminiscent of old school notions of luxurious dressing, when women desired their look to be impeccable statements of style, all making it clear that the sheer joy of dressing up has returned in 2011.
Another designer who offers a skilful take on how to dress with understated glamour is Jo No Fui, who interprets the return to a feminine sophisticate for Fall 2011 by utilizing unusual color combinations. Fui’s mixing of pale tones with citrus brights, with luxurious additions of fur, give this collection a fresh take on the feminine ideal, such as tailored coats shown in deep chestnuts, laden with fur collars, cuffs or body insets, army green parachute jackets, crop tops in maroons and a pale yellow, deep-v silk gown. With her fall collection Fui gives women a sexed up version of polished attire for the urban wearer.
Be sure to adopt a Mad Men-type of dress for Fall 2011 by getting in touch with your feminine mystique. Be gracefully elegant and add touches of luxury with gloves, pearls, or fur, adding a bit of opulence to any outfit.
