Thursday, July 31, 2008
Fade to Hot
Fashion has been given a trendy transfusion.
Ombre, an effect where one color bleeds into another, has flowed onto some of the most eye-catching pieces of the season.
The term, which means shadow in French, is also called dip-dyed and degraded. Sometimes ombre goes from the darkest to the lightest shade of a hue. Also, the print can seamlessly combine different colors for a rainbow take. Colors can be of-the-moment citrus brights or laid back neutrals, such as black to gray or brown to tan.
Some people confuse ombre with its close cousin, tie-dye. In general, ombre is more subtle, more sophisticated than tie-dye, and less kaleidoscopic.
However, both prints are popular right now, thanks to the tribal beat that has a band of designers playing ethnic, global music. Players include Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen, Badgley, Mischka, Chloe, Giles and Adam & Eve.
Many fashion pundits say this ombre homage began with the fall 2007 collection by Miuccia Prada, which included degraded handbags and other accessories.
This time around, dresses seem to be the preferred canvas for the latest ombre works of art. Some of the most beautiful are in a long Grecian goddess silhouette and done in a luxurious fabric, such as silk chiffon, which gives the frocks movement, creating billows of color. Talk about a statement piece. Ombre becomes more youthful when seen on a minidress, and it has a more casual feeling in a cotton sundress.
Ombre also works on separates. Look for a variety of tops from simple tees to figure-friendly tunics; great with a pair of jeans. The print paints skirts, too. It translates well on popular pleated full skirts.
Following Prada's lead, designers have created some fun ombre handbags, which go from chic clutches and sassy satchels to Titanic totes.
Another natural for ombre is the shoe. Kicks done in patent really shine.
Ombre options
* Make sure the darkest part of the fade is on the largest body part. For example, busty girls should go for an ombre dress that's darker on top.
* Only wear one ombre piece at a time. Wearing a dress, handbag and shoes done in the pattern can look cartoonish.
* Pair an ombre piece with neutral clothing and accessories in shades of brown and off-white for a safari flavor.
* Complement subtle gradations with metallic accessories.
* Incorporate jewelry in shades of the fading colors into the outfit.
Source: About.com and DivaVillage.com
Ombre, an effect where one color bleeds into another, has flowed onto some of the most eye-catching pieces of the season.
The term, which means shadow in French, is also called dip-dyed and degraded. Sometimes ombre goes from the darkest to the lightest shade of a hue. Also, the print can seamlessly combine different colors for a rainbow take. Colors can be of-the-moment citrus brights or laid back neutrals, such as black to gray or brown to tan.
Some people confuse ombre with its close cousin, tie-dye. In general, ombre is more subtle, more sophisticated than tie-dye, and less kaleidoscopic.
However, both prints are popular right now, thanks to the tribal beat that has a band of designers playing ethnic, global music. Players include Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen, Badgley, Mischka, Chloe, Giles and Adam & Eve.
Many fashion pundits say this ombre homage began with the fall 2007 collection by Miuccia Prada, which included degraded handbags and other accessories.
This time around, dresses seem to be the preferred canvas for the latest ombre works of art. Some of the most beautiful are in a long Grecian goddess silhouette and done in a luxurious fabric, such as silk chiffon, which gives the frocks movement, creating billows of color. Talk about a statement piece. Ombre becomes more youthful when seen on a minidress, and it has a more casual feeling in a cotton sundress.
Ombre also works on separates. Look for a variety of tops from simple tees to figure-friendly tunics; great with a pair of jeans. The print paints skirts, too. It translates well on popular pleated full skirts.
Following Prada's lead, designers have created some fun ombre handbags, which go from chic clutches and sassy satchels to Titanic totes.
Another natural for ombre is the shoe. Kicks done in patent really shine.
Ombre options
* Make sure the darkest part of the fade is on the largest body part. For example, busty girls should go for an ombre dress that's darker on top.
* Only wear one ombre piece at a time. Wearing a dress, handbag and shoes done in the pattern can look cartoonish.
* Pair an ombre piece with neutral clothing and accessories in shades of brown and off-white for a safari flavor.
* Complement subtle gradations with metallic accessories.
* Incorporate jewelry in shades of the fading colors into the outfit.
Source: About.com and DivaVillage.com
Labels: brands boutique, designer brands, designer fashion brands, designer handbags
# posted by handbag junkie @ 5:13 AM 
