Two trends are getting together to transform your spring (or winter, if you're in a warm climate) wardrobe. Sheer and
ballerina styles will be working together to create a modern, feminine look for those who dare.
Sheer fabrics were seen in many fashion forward lines for Spring. Sheer, pleated skirts floated down the runway in
Chloe's show, paired with fitted leotard-look tops. Dresses floated and swirled as if the models were about to spring
into a jete any second. Marc Jacobs used sheer fabrics in the bodices of halter style tops and floaty caftans.
Stefano Pilati re-worked the archives of Yves Saint Laurent (the biggest influence cited for Spring collections this
year) and proffered sheer blouses that brought back the 70's disco era (Bianca Jagger style, that is). The sheer
phenomenon may not be for everyone, but as a collective whole, it whill definitely be in evidence on the streets and
at events in NY when the warmer weather finally comes.
The ballerina trend was there (especially at Chloe), but has been given more strength from Rodarte's costumes for the
film, The Black Swan. The film's star, Natalie Portman, is reported to be friendly with the duo and suggested them
for the gig. A highpoint was the white column with jeweled straps that Portman's character, Nina Sayers wears to the
New York City ballet gala. It higlighted the character's grace and fragility, but in a modern way that was
hearstopping. The Mulleavy's also designed the knitwear that Nina wears offstage; the legwarmers and shrugs that can
easily be incorporated to the wardrobe. The layering of the thin knitwear and leotards creates a soft, vulnerable
look that could easily be toughened with a pair of stilletto boots and a military style coat.Sort of a punk rock
fairy look.
Both the sheer and ballerina elements have the added benefit of being so lightly played that the wearer can get away
with a more dramatic makeup look. A dark, smoked out eye and red lips are almost neccessary to balance out the
ethereal quality of the fabrics.Think the sexy disco face of the 70's best seen in Helmut Newton and Rebecca Blake
photos from the era. Hair can be pulled back in a ballerina bun, but augmented with twisted elements, like the styles
shown in the YSL show, created by hairstylist Guido Palau. Less can be more with a natural lip and swipes of jewel-bright
color on the eyelids, as if you'd just come from rehearsal. It's really up to you. You can be the bad ballerina,as
played by Mila Kunis- all sexy sheers with edgy touches, or you can play the sweet girl with a more traditional
softness and flashes of brilliance. A perfect look for the New York girly-girl with attitude.
Comments
At the time I wrote this, Rodarte was all over the fashiosphere as the credited designers for Black Swan Costumes. Costume designer Amy Westcott (nominated for a BAFTA for the film) has since come to the fore as the official designer for the film.. You can read about that here.
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