It seems designers from both sides of the Atlantic are infatuated with the art of veiling for spring 2014. Sheer styles were all over the runways in New York, Paris and Milan as designers often exposed the whole body.
By embellishing and layering sheer fabrics, designers both romanticized and amped up the sex appeal of casual sportswear. It is always infinitely more elegant to leave a little left to the imagination, however this spring transparency is a must. See our editors pick below and follow suit with your own incarnations of this daring look.
Quoting Ovid’s Metamorphoses in his show notes: Marras noted “I want to speak about bodies changed into new forms.” Marras sensibility is that of a couturier: “I make these clothes for the people who get me.” His craftsmanship was most obvious in the couture shapes of his dresses, and fabrics which included duchess satin, dentelle lace, silver brocade and hand-painted flowers appliquéd onto tulle.
At Blumarine, a mini dress adorned in petals is trimmed with glistening sequins and transformed into a floor length gown highlighted by lovely water motifs. In many ways Blumarine is telling the story of the spring season: how romanticism can sidle up next to athleticism; how sheer can look soft or sexy and how lace can be deployed in a variety of novel new ways.
Alberta Ferretti’s perfect summer dress is veiled in a rich hue of cobalt blue successfully concealing the body while revealing a languorous sensuality. The lightness of the fabrics and modernity of her cocktail dresses are distinctly Alberta Ferretti and are everything women want to wear this spring.
Donatella Versace never fails to impress and her sheer tulle gown embroidered with shimmering blue floral leather appliqué and slit high on one thigh is topped by a matching sleeveless vest that adds just the right amount of seductive edginess. “I think at the moment it’s all about easy things to wear; women love to wear jeans and a T-shirt so I want to give these ordinary things the status of luxury,” stated Donatella.
Dolce & Gabbana brought their trademark Sicilian fairy tale to life on the runway with a sheer black dress graced in lace and accessorized with a belt made of decorative gold Roman coins.”The thing about Sicily is that it’s full of archaeology, overlaid with layers and layers of history, religion, drama, and cinematic representation.” “It’s a dream of Sicily,” said Stefano Gabbana.
Etro returned to Bohemia this season, doing exactly what they do best. Veronica Etro’s collection in ultralight fabrics was slouchy, colorful and tinged with metallic fringe, offering a kind of luxe Boho eclecticism that’s captivated many a world traveler. Wispy halter dresses hung loosely around the neck and were worn with silver rope belts slung low around the waist. A blue and green checked patterned transparent dress was accessorized with a silk scarf edged in fringe detailing, eliciting a free-spirited vibe.
At Fendi, a white dress with geometric laser cuts revealed glimpses of bare skin underneath, and yet the play of transparency didn’t end there, as a pleated tulle overlaid the skirt of the dress. Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini’s endless graphic configurations of organza mixed with technically constructed leather and shaved mink were indeed lovely and sophisticated.
SportMax is the embodiment of casual athletic dressing this season with a sheer black sleeveless tunic styled over a monochromatic jersey bra top and fluid skirt revealing just the right amount of skin.
