Shine On– Metallics
The spotlight on sparkle abounds with everything from metallic treatments, to gold, silver, shimmering paillettes, and shiny satins. And whereas occasionwear calls for creative and sustainability-focused design thinking, this Haute Couture season underscores clients’ need to indulge in a season filled with playful escapism, embellished with these dazzling delights that take the metallic sparkle to new heights. While silver and gold are traditionally accepted in the mix, designers cleverly included colour; the glamour and opulence reaching a peak with outfits drenched in shimmering sequins, gleaming satins, and an array of eye-catching trompe l’oeil details, representing a new take on this trend.
If the idea is for the future to be a rave of fantasy and freedom, Pierpaolo’s Valentino Le Club Couture will be the leitmotif. Metallic effects came in abundance, from a silver sequined men’s coat worn nonchalantly over an open shirt and black shorts, a two-piece bolero and short suit with vibrant yellow sequins, or a gold thigh-high-slit dress commanded attention contrasting with bright pink heels. A pink cloak cut a swathe of delightful colour through the night while sparkling ruffled layers interjected with lines of gleaming silver embroidery. An open mesh dress came intricately yet boldly exposing the female form. Finally, a column slip dress with graduating oversized paillettes in a sea green adds to the exuberance; just about every silhouette had been liberally sprinkled. And just as Pierpaolo’s hot pink has reverberated throughout the fashion halls, sparkle and adornment will continue to be the next big trend.
Diamantes and sequins were lavished liberally over Zuhair Murad’s twinkling silhouettes. Carefully crafted and detailed pieces from a meshwork of crystalized sunburst embroideries radiated from the waist of cut-out sylph-like numbers that nodded to the ’20s.
Liquid silver in Maria Grazia columnar gowns will satisfy the sustainably minded clientele, offering that spine-tingling movement and sensuality. Imane Aysissi and Gaurav Gupta used vibrant colours and brilliant goldfor a dramatic episode of head-to-toe color. At the same time, sequins and diamantes are also used in dramatic displays of power and determination at Alexandre Vaulthier. A black sequined bomber and matching boots demonstrated the strength of positivity.
Although there should be an overriding element of less is more, these overt displays of sparkling embellishment will ring loudly, setting the tone to shine on a joyful future.
