“More is more, less is a bore!” says the great Iris Apfel. Every season has some outlet for gilding and frill, but the holidays almost demand it.
Every year the windows at Bergdorf Goodman showcase a sparkly world to delight and catch our attention. But this year the ornamentation will continue on its journey for awhile. Like a magpie attracted to shiny objects, I’ve never met an adornment I didn’t like. Encrusted sequins, thick embroidery, delicate beading, patchwork, rhinestones–plumage–are my allies and my foes. I’ve had some unfortunate missteps with over-loving gorgeous decoration. So I’m aware that to stay on the side of good taste, I need a bit of self-discipline–thankfully not too much in the current fashion atmosphere.
Street Style, New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017. Photo: Dawn Bell Solich
Chanel Resort 2016 Ready-To-Wear. Photo: Vogue
One of my all-time favorite foils to embellishment is denim, and it’s back! In the early 90’s, a couple friends and I started a little embellished jean jacket business. We took vintage Levi jackets and painted, blinged, and stitched to our hearts’ content. My favorite style was a blue and green tartan plaid flannel that we added to parts of the jacket, and then beaded over, highlighting parts of the pattern.
The masculine, work-wear sense of jeans gives strong opposition to fancy. Embellished denim has an edgy tension, and it’s cool when styled right. Since shine has loosened up from “nighttime only” status, it’s both dressed up and fun with denim. And decorated denim is a pre-made composition. It’s simple, all you need to add is a white button-down and you’re set–like on our cover image of Michael Kors’ ostrich feather-flared jeans. Or go with the trends, and Iris, and pile it on–texture-on-feathers-on-studs-on-stones.
Decorated denim plays with a younger time too, it can be a voice, and be playful–as in the artwork on top model Hanne Gaby Odiele’s jacket back.
Don’t miss this window of time, the best time of the year to revel in embellished denim. It’s as easy as jeans and a T-shirt, but says so much more.
Street Style, Milan and New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017. Photos: Tyler Joe, Dawn Bell Solich
Street Style, Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017. Photo: Tyler Joe
Street Style, Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016. Photo: Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us
Street Style, Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016. Photo: Diego Zuko @theoutsider.us
Gucci Fall 2016. Photo: fashiongonerogue.com
Gucci Street Style, Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2017. Photo: StarTracks
Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2017. Photo: fashiongonerogue.com
Cover Photo: fashiongonerogue.com