Sparkle Plenty
Mary Katrantzou's fantasy parade.
Donatella Versace with the original "supers" clad in gold.
(Photos courtesy brands.)
The future is bright! Fashion is currently awash with a wide array of metallic and glittery clothing. What started with the fall collections as a need to escape from reality with a futuristic tone, it’s taken on a more positive note for the coming spring/ summer. The next season really will sparkle.
For us regular folk, there is no better time of the year to pull off an outfit of glitter than now. Wear metallic and you’re putting yourself at the forefront of life, being adventurous and having fun. One of the easiest—and my favorite—ways to pull of the look is liquid. Paco Rabanne’s fall collection shone with its stunning liquid chainmail silver or gold dresses with a sporty twist. Perfect attire to wear as the sun sets in Hawai‘i.
As we look to the very near future, 2018 sparkle is very much around the corner. One of the spring shows’ most fashion stopping moments happened at Versace. On the 20th anniversary of Gianni Versace’s death, sister Donatella created a spectacular show finale as she walked the catwalk flanked by 1990s supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Carle Bruni, Claudia Schiffer and Helena Christensen, each dressed in stunning liquid gold gowns. Shine on!
Even if metallics aren’t your thing, but are still looking toward shimmer, think celestial. Dior continues to make me swoon with heavenly skirts and dresses reminiscent of the starry night sky, whilst Mary Katrantzou’s fantasy frocks embroidered with magical landscapes was out of this world. These outfits are what big girl’s dreams are made of. Take me to the moon and give me sparkles and stars and shiny, happy New Year predictions.
Yet, no one embraces sparkle like London based designer Ashish. His mantra: “Fighting Gloom with Glitter.” The latest collection included separates of stunning moon-and-star lace in black and silver. Escaping to new worlds isn’t going to happen anytime soon, but we can still reach for the stars this coming year.
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.