Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Trend-Spotting: Mod-ern Love

The Trend: The Fall 2014 collections reveal a particular sense of nostalgia for a bygone era: the Swinging Sixties continue to offer endless inspiration to current-day designers. While there's nothing new about referencing the dolly-bird dress, the initial rise of the miniskirt, or anything Twiggy-related, this year, it's more about the subtle hint than an all-out throwback. Think relegating it to an A-line angle or an element of minimalism.

Nicholas Ghesquière made an unsurprising splash at Louis Vuitton with a debut that juxtaposed a perfectly retro silhouette with hyper-modern techniques and uncompromising craftmanship, while Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent imbued his typical rock 'n' roll angle, complete with glitter and jet-black eyelids (no one ever said his work at the house has been original, that's for sure). Valentino reveled in bouncy, buoyant, bright prints inspired by Italian Pop art; Tom Ford payed homage to the slinky, groggy, pre-psychedelic babes of London's mid-'60s, with the help of monochrome black velvet; and the house of Paco Rabanne, who was the original l'enfant terrible of the '60s French fashion world, harked back to their iconic spirit.

From left: Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Valentino, Tom Ford, Paco Rabanne




The Pieces: There's no need to invest in major pieces from the new-season runways to appropriate the look for yourself. Obviously, there's no more authentic way to channel vintage-era appeal than with a true vintage dress, whether it's from the first era or a later generation. Here, three different ways (and silhouettes) to wear the trend:

1. This rare Stephen Sprouse piece blends gray-and-black-contrast paneling with a lightly body-sculpting fit for a sensual take on the mod mood. Dress it up with structured pumps or turn it down with a pair of chunky Chelsea boots. Circa 1990s. Available now for $490.


2. Few executed color like Gianni Versace, and his electrifying royal-purple shift is no exception. A neck-to-sleeve zipper detail completes this layer-ready tunic's sense of mod-inspired ease. Set it off against matte-black tights, once the temperature drops, and a searing bright lip to show you really don't shy away from color. Circa 1990s. Available now for $398.


3. Geoffrey Beene's drop-waist dress comes in a glimmering navy knit, and delivers ample amounts of swing, for a refined take on sweater dressing. Toss a heated leather motorcycle jacket over it to throw off the feminine glittery texture. Circa 1960s. Available now for $248. 



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