Romantic Leathers
Rodarte S11 Leather Dress
Leather lovers, get your credit cards out and ready to use, because this is one trend you are not going to be able to pass on. Leather is completely revamped and now that we are already all hooked on our leather jackets, this might just come in time to make it easier for us to retire those veteran jackets in the coming – hopefully warmer – months.
This season designers are masterfully demonstrating the versatility of leather both as a fabric and in terms of the different mood effects it can create. Almost subconsciously we always expect leather to go with a dark, goth or grungy, rock-n-roll theme. 2011 Spring runways showcased a different scenario. Leather was not only gracing the runways of its typical masters Hermés and Balenciaga but also other famous fashion houses and designers who are usually known for their feminine and romantic silhouettes.
This time around, the overall mood was romantic and the tones softer while the cuts remained simple yet sophisticated in the shape of sheaths and shift dresses. In fact, leather is bringing a much needed face lift to these dresses. The simplicity highlights the sensuality of leather, a blank canvas that is rich and luxurious in character, flattering to shape and inviting to touch.
Jennifer Lopez in Brian Atwood Didier Boots and Chloé Resort 2011 Whipstitched Leather Dress
Celebrities have jumped on this trend before resort collections were even available for retail. Jennifer Lopez debuted the coveted Chloé Whipstitch leather dress – pairing it with another trend, the animal print booties – at the 2011 Winter TCA press tour earlier this month. The list of celebrities who donned leather dresses also include the always elegant Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Bosworth apart from our usual leather fans such as Angelina Jolie and Katy Perry.
Leather garments are unfortunately very susceptible to changes in fashion but these dresses are on the way to becoming classic pieces in every modern woman´s wardrobe. They are functional, comfortable and luxurious, perhaps, most importantly not boring!
If neutral is not your thing, there are many alternatives in bold colors. Red is a very hot choice at the moment, so is yellow, if you would like to inject more daring colors into your wardrobe. You can always play up or down the look with a careful selection of your accessories. The dresses work because they are lightweight, your accessories should not add a heavy touch or overcrowd the outfit.
TCFashionista, X
