By: The Buyologist
The New Embellishment
While not technically a trend due to its ubiquity season after season; garment embellishments are seeing a period of renaissance in terms of usage and focus. Embellished garments were a populous presence on the spring 2010 runways. Designers were free in their embellishment abandon and the rules of engagement for embellishing clothes were tossed out. A new, cooler rulebook, replaced the fashion mores of the past. Sequins clash with grommets, grommets went hand in hand with studs, studs peeked out where embroidery existed and new techniques and interpretations of the old standards are being created with each passing season. Gone are the meek, timid embellishment of the past, a new bolder look is in its place. The more embellishment the better, in this new era. The “new” embellishment was demonstrated over and over on spring 2010 runways, whether it is artfully deconstructed sequins by Christophe Decarnin at Balmain:
Balmain spring 2010 RTW www.style.com
…Or vigorous studding by Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy for Men’s spring 2010 RTW:
Givenchy Men’s spring 2010 RTW www.highsnobiety.com
…Or stunning sequins and masterful embroidery by Oscar de la Renta:
Overall, the new look of embellished garments have ushered in a new trend; it’s a mish mash of embellishment techniques embodied in the work of the Mulleavy sisters at Rodarte:
The sisters Mulleavy; Kate and Laura, have divined the direction that the embellishment trend is going in a singular garment. The combination of techniques such as fringe, weaving, sequins and others have created a whole new breed of garment. The avant-garde will become the norm. This trend is about improvisation and finding order in chaos. It can be difficult to intersperse this look into an everyday wardrobe so subtlety and restraint is key. I recommend layering the embellishment piece by piece versus layering in a single garment until one is comfortable with mixing the techniques. Here are a few looks that can assist you with your interpretation of the embellishment trend:
Antik Batik embellished cotton tunic $115.50 www.theoutnet.com
Asos Premium embellished fringe dress $54.70 www.asos.com
Valentino sequin embellished jersey top $790 www.net-a-porter.com
Warehouse embellished cross body bag $76.92 www.asos.com
House of Harlow 1960 “Pacey” ankle strap sandal $275.00 www.bloomingdales.com Don’t forget the Friends & Family sale underway – See this week’s Buyologist.
Haute Hippie Suede fringe jacket $975.00 www.shopbop.com
La vie en Rose camisole $128.00 www.freepeople.com
Guiseppe Zanotti for Balmain sequin mesh studded sandals $1,195.00 www.shopbop.com
The Buyologist Sarah Davis is a fashion designer living in NYC.
