Heavy Metals

Altuzarra and Paco Rabanne rock it in metallics.

Photos courtesy brands

THE ALLURE OF METALLICS NEVER TRULY WANES. But this season’s use of chainmail, lame and sequins usually reserved for the holidays have unexpectedly found a place in summer collections. Many designers chose to harness the sun’s rays into a glittery array of metallic styles. Silver was abundant. Gold made a solid appearance, but other radiant shimmering shades also made the cut for warm-weather days.

For summer, eye-catching styles are plentiful, but the overall delivery has a much more laid-back approach. Dipping your stylistic toe into the trend, silver is a solid option. Undeniably glamorous, cool silver gives off a much more easy-going mood than its gold counterpart. At Michael Kors, a long silver pareo-style skirt was paired with a white bodysuit for an easy day-to-evening outfit. Altuzarra metallic foil dresses were utilitarian in feel and finished off with retro black Keds for an urban twist, and Paco Rabanne’s silver chainmail dresses all came with solid futuristic silver combat boots. For many years, gold has reigned supreme, but this season, it was silver that gave off a fresher more modern feel.

The soft hues of spring could have been the inspiration behind many designers’ warm weather styles.

Brandon Maxwell channeled summer vibes with a shimmering pastel collection. Sparkling silver and pastel sequin garments often embellished with large, embroidered flowers were paired with basic white tees and pastel suit jackets. Maxwell’s love for party wear is still very much evident but with a distinctly more relaxed tone. At Valentino, the high-octane fuchsia pink of last fall’s now iconic collection was swept away in a swath of neutral with an abundant use of the signature V motif.

Yet, head designer Pierpaolo Piccioli couldn’t resist injecting some colorful metallic surprises in the form of a beautifully cut pleated electric blue coat, soft emerald green jersey pants or the long pleated violet skirt, many pieces were paired back to a tan bodysuit. Each garment was created using miniature sequins that ultimately gave the impression of a foil-like fabrication. While high octane in color, these clothes were not meant to be reserved for an evening soirée.

Metallics might feel a lot for summer but with this season’s easy-going vibe permeating throughout many collections, metallics come off as the height of summer dressing.

Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs. See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.