For spring 2008, spangle brightened catwalks everywhere, and (for the most part) designers steered clear of the ultra futuristic, bulky intergalactic gaud people come to associate with metallic finishes and shiny plastics. Instead, they have gone for a luxe look with fluid, light-reflective pieces and a streamlined aesthetic executed with draping, pleating, and bias-cuts.
Flashy Fabrics & Finishes
Sequins remain at the forefront of shiny style this season as designers continued to delight with the razzle-dazzle of metallics. In addition to the shiny sequin-covered dress that's been all the rage through fall/winter, silver, gold, bronze and copper glistened across spring's runways in futuristic high-tech plastic fabrics, glossy satins, high-sheen silks, and foil-like lamé.
Metallic Fashion on the Runway
Belgian designer Olivier Theysken's spring/summer 2008 collection for Nina Ricci is an excellent example of just how sophisticated the season's metallic fashions are. In what the designer himself has described as an ethereal collection with a touch of melancholy, paper-thin silver fan-pleated taffeta, twisted metallic velvet, and shimmering marbleized silks flowed as liquefied metal across the catwalk.
In an October 21, 2007 Los Angeles Times article, "Olivier Theyskens and the Iodized Ball Gown," style writer Booth Moore noted Theysken's use of modern fabrics and techniques as they combined masterfully to produce the show-stopping titanium iodized pleated ball gown, which glowed "like a moonbeam" as it cascaded down the runway.
Spotlight on Sequins
The dazzling appeal of sequins rests in their ability to reflect light and enhance curves. Off the runways and onto the streets, they're dressing up everyday silhouettes such as mini-dresses, simple tanks, straight skirts, and wide belts.
Eye-catching, feminine, and sexy - sequins will add a sparkly splash of flair to any ensemble. Fashions behind the sequin trend are grown up and confident – pretty with an edge. And although they were all the rage this past holiday season, shimmer makes an impact all season long, in many styles – from boho beauties, glamour queens, pretty preps, and righteous rockers, to futuristic femmes and retro-inspired chicks.
Metallic Style in Your Wardrobe
Be careful to select garments made from high quality fabrics, with flattering cuts. You don't want to appear as if you've constructed your skirt from leftover aluminum foil, and there's nothing like shine to accentuate bulges and other figure flaws, so tread carefully when embracing the trend, and don't be afraid to just say "no" to certain styles if they really don't suit your body or personality.
As a rule of thumb, keep metallic fashions subtle for daytime and professional attire, but feel free to dive into the trend for evening wear and funky occasions.
Subtle Shimmer
- Add polish to your outfit with a metallic accessory. There's a huge array of metallic accessories available at the moment, so shine on with shoes, handbags, scarves, belts, cuffs and bangles, gloves, headbands or hats.
- Soft grays and pewter colored fabrics can read as muted metallics, making them perfect for day wear.
- Wear a dress or cardigan adorned with tone-on-tone sequined trim or just a smattering of sequins; the effect will be playful and light.
- Dress up a casual look with a chic sequin embellished t-shirt or wear designer jeans with a bit of eye-catching bling embroidered on the back pockets.
- Layer your look with leggings that have a metallic thread woven into the fabric. Or track down a pair of fabulous sequined leggings to slip under a dress or skirt.
- Use a metallic camisole as a base layer under one of the season's trendy transparent blouses.
- Look for metallic details such as glimmering buttons to add a bit of flair to your outfit.
Go for Gold
- Go for a totally glamorous look by wearing shiny sequins, satins and lamés, and glossy high-tech fabrics from head to toe.
- Even those who shy away from shine must at least invest in a sequined top – if you're feeling adventurous, spring for a trendy fully-sequined dress.
