Traveling to so many places this past year—Tokyo, Paris, London, Rome, Mali, Johannesburg—I’ve come to appreciate fashion elsewhere and trends. While fashion elite balk at the idea of closely following trends (they encourage mixing trends with one’s own style, and I agree), it’s interesting to see trends play out on the international scene. If you see something in Milan you will see it New York, Hong Kong, or even Bamako. One to adopt right now —sequins and metallics.
The summer 2010 runways of Paris, Milan, London and New York shined brightly. Dior wore metallic trench coats, John Galliano jeweled floor length gowns, Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad (who dresses pop stars Beyonce and Shakira) showed cocktail dresses detailed with gold and silver.
In London Michael Jackson reigned. Walking through stores like Miss Selfridge and TopShop I felt like someone went bedazzler happy. From leggings to track jackets—sequins sparkled. At the Joburg Fashion Week silver sneakers and gold shawls ran and wrapped.
I fully expect to see red hot reds, metallic cocktail dresses, and sequined accessories on Mission District silhouettes this V-Day. A few tips to help you indulge:
– Look for bargains. It’s easy to find pieces on sale. Thrift and vintage stores also tend to have looks from the 70s and 80s that can be reconstructed to fit modern styles.
– Keep in mind a very classic cardinal rule—less is more. Don’t pile sequined accessories head to toe. A sequined jacket over a jeans and tee combo works.
– Bag it up. Don’t be intimidated by over the top bags. They work just like any other accessory. A cherry red sequined or metallic bag gives a little black dress pizazz. Coach has recently launched a line of look-at-me carryalls that can be worn everyday (main photo).
– Be comfortable– metallics are available in everything from hoodies to Uggs .
No matter the trend it has to suit you and your body. And whether you shop at H&M or YSL, your flashy gear will always look good if it’s well made.
Check out some of the stores on Valencia Street that have bejeweled scarves, etc made for actual belly dancing, but wearable as scarves, headwraps….I do it all the time =)
The bellydancer in me is rejoicing!