Women in lace

Women in lace

Lace is back! Since last spring/summer collections, we have seen an incredible amount of lace, shown all over the female body, and the upcoming fall trends are continuing this direction.  ‘Fashion reflects society and society reflects fashion': this is what I always tell my students. For example,

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Thu 27 Sep 2012 12:00 AM

Lace
is back! Since last spring/summer collections, we have seen an incredible
amount of lace, shown all over the female body, and the upcoming fall trends
are continuing this direction.

 ‘Fashion reflects
society and society reflects fashion’: this is what I always tell my students.
For example, the current global economic crisis is bringing unexpected changes
in the family and is redefining roles for men and women. Among these changes,
Karen Videtic, professor and former chairperson at Virginia Commonwealth
University (United States) has observed a recent trend of women choosing to
focus on family rather than career. Those who can afford to do so seem thus to
be embracing a ‘new’ lifestyle that looks back to the past.

 

Thus,
the glamour of the 1950s and 1960s is back, but with an even stronger message.
Not only does it offer a very sensual look for women, recalling the charm of
the great women of that era, but it also suggests a reassessment of
contemporary society. This new image is of sensuality with a retro value: lace,
lingerie, sheer materials, tight fit, pencil skirts, elegant blouses and, of
course, high heels. The image comes from the wildly successful TV series Mad
Men, then it morphed into the new ‘burlesque’ phenomenon, an indication of the
interconnection of music, film, TV and fashion.

 

Lace
is the leading material, especially for a bottom, for example, a skirt or shorts.
Ivory and cream are the colors for sheer blouses with ruffles and bows.
Cardigans and jackets are cut short, at the waist, revealing the hips, which
are wrapped in tight knee-length skirts or skinny pants.

 

With
the look so decidedly feminine, the dress takes a center role in the fall
wardrobe, showing the body’s shape wrapped in floral, bird and butterfly prints
and ‘girly’ embellishments. Lingerie thus has renewed importance, the shape
inspired by 1950s pin-ups, with the return of bodices and bustiers, strong
black with red accents and touches of hot pink and purple, polka dots and
flowers. Accessories include super-high platform shoes with thick heels in
glossy bold colors, and super-cute small bags with long chains.

 

Hyperfeminine
not the look for you? There is another trend for fall 2012: the futuristic
warrior-woman. This superior creature sports cocoon shapes, embellished with
studs and metal details, in the form of oversize jackets and leggings, bulky
sweaters, thick surfaces and sportswear details, with fabrics that include
neoprene, vinyl and sequins. Black and grey are main colors, with accents of
blue, mustard yellow and burgundy red. This look takes high-tech accessories,
with studs everywhere, even on ballerina flats and  ankle and knee boots,
and super-huge bags. The trends might be the sexy doll or fierce warrior, but
as always, the coolest trend is to create your own style and shine!

 

 

Where to get it

 Hot
spots in Florence to get the new fall looks are via Romana and Borgo San
Frediano, both of which offer small, independent stores with lots of style.

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