Super-sized stripes, ribbed jerseys and billowing silks are dominating headlines as the summer season comes to a close. But while we lust after Altuzarra’s sun-drenched shades, sparkling knee-length dresses sashay down Valentino and Dior’s autumn/winter 2016 catwalks.
Dries Van Novena and Sonia Rykiel are among several cerebral designers who also insist we revel in this contempo dressed-up sensibility. After all, we’ve already embraced shoulder-grazing earrings and sought out bejewelled Miu Miu trainers as part of our day-to-day wardrobe. Surely it’s about time we sport full-on sparkle?
Thankfully Vetements and Balenciaga are making this surrealistic transition seamless; the former’s Bacofoil-silver open-back sequin dress has pushed normcore firmly off the runway. Erdem, Gucci and Preen are also bringing similar risk-taking trappings to the red carpet and, by doing so, adding a splash of dynamism to otherwise classic styles.
This insatiable hunger for glitz among aficionados is already heating to boiling point. However, you’d be wrong in assuming these scintillating masterpieces are body-skimming, metallic glitterball creations. Instead think of modest high-necks and voluminous lengths. Partner with a colour-block bomber or distressed denim jacket (as demonstrated by Lily Aldridge at Vogue’s pre-Met Ball) and you have an eye-catching ensemble that’s suitable for daylight hours.
Meanwhile Louis Vuitton opted for a motorcycle leather combination and Karl Lagerfeld abandoned Chanel’s minimalistic design for a kaleidoscopic, Havana-inspired sequin jacket. Whichever combination you prefer, take your cue from the catwalk and spruce up your daywear with a shower of sparklers.
