The big shoulders
The big shoulders are a trend that is not going to go away despite fervent prayers. Its a throwback from the '80s that Balmain made popular last year and shoulders have just gotten wider and bigger since they first showed it. But there are twists to it: Alexander McQueen showed dresses with just one poufy shoulder. And for those who are still scared of the Dynasty look, replicate it by throwing a faux fur stole over one shoulder. Its very Cruela de Vil and glamorous too. Or attach shoulder pads to jackets and tunics that can easily be removed when the trend ends.
And how does the cast of the hit television show Dynasty feel about the return of the enhanced shoulder? When the Guardian asked Dynasty's Joan Collins how she felt about it, she sniffed: "I invented the look."
Pastels
Forget the assumption that one looks washed-out in pastels. The grand return of Burberry to London Fashion Week proved that theory entirely wrong, as an army of models walked out in to-die-for pleated dresses and trench coats. The colours to pick up are shades of pastel pinks and blues and combine them with block colours for a contrast, and add a touch of glamour with glitzy buttons or trims in gold fabrics.
Fold it up
The Sartorialist blog (thesartorialist.blogspot.com) - one of the most influential style blogs online - regularly showcases folded up cuffs on jeans and trousers. Done neatly, this trend (often relegated to the beach) is just what you need to add that flair of European chic to an otherwise everyday look of jeans and a cotton collared shirt.
Transparency
Have no fear. Despite runway images of transparent sheath upon sheath making its way to fashionistas, transparency is actually a trend we can follow. For one, fabric like net (circa 1999, brought on by Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam) or organza (mid '90s) has seen is time of popularity, as well as the all-round favourite, chiffon. In Pakistan, these fabrics are layered with camisoles and linings, but this season they can be done more interestingly. Layer transparent tops with camisoles in block colours, gather up the largest amount of chiffon and make them into harem pants (Marc Jacobs showed almost giant sized ones), think wispy sleeves (ala Maheen Khan at Milan Fashion Week) and even combining unconventional fabrics together: jersey and chiffon? A t-shirt under a transparent nightie? It all goes.
Celebrities in the front-row
Can we not have celebrities sitting at the front-rows at fashion shows? The Spring/Summer 2010 fashion weeks boasted an impressive roster of celebrities in attendance: Madonna, Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, Rihanna, Prince, Gwyneth Paltrow, Freida Pinto, Dev Patel, Katy Perry, Lily Allen, Michael Stipe, Roger Federer, just to name a few. It would truly brighten the front rows at fashion shows if were one to see some of our local celebrities turning up at fashion shows. Here's hoping we see some true celebrities at the upcoming Karachi Fashion Week in November! |
