FLY GIRLS

FASHION IS FOR THE BIRDS!


With this season’s focus on bold color and outrageous design, it’s no surprise that designers have us strutting down the catwalk of life in festive plumes.


There were several quite literal interpretations on this bird-brained scheme.


First, I am particularly proud of Alexander McQueen’s strapless peacock frock (pictured at left, courtesy nymag.com). The full skirt is so decadent and fabulous! Moreover, the corseted waist and bust are expertly emphasized by the symmetry of the two birds, whose beaks touch at center front, creating almost a heart in the negative space where cleavage commonly appears.


Also appreciated the subtlety of Elizabeth and James’ Penelope silk dress (available at Neiman Marcus). The peacock plumes appear here as well, but in a more subdued fashion.


In addition to avian iconography, there were numerous "suggestions" of feathers on the Spring 2008 runways, like at Celine (at top right, from style.com's runway coverage), where the billowy tiers of marine blue fabric hinted at a bird's plumage.



DOWN WITH FASHION!

Of course, there were also actual feathers in the mix. Burberry Prorsum’s Fall 2008 show had a number of standout pieces, including this painstakingly wrought feathered coat (detail image at right courtesy style.com).

Newcomer Kristian Aadnevik softened an armor-like bronze corseted dress by wrapping it in pale pink plumes. Gorgeous! (Runway image at left courtesy style.com).

Fly away home, my lovelies!

Posted in: avian iconography,fashion for the birds,feathered coat,peacock dress,plumage,plumes