3-D

What a relief! Designers are thinking in all three dimensions lately. In fact, some of their fanciful creations are in such high relief that they may be impossible to sit down in; dry-clean; maneuver in, etc. But CC says, this is the price one pays for being fashion-forward and wearing ART!

At right: Hussein Chalayan's impressive backside looks like a car met a taffy pull!
Left: Frilly fripperies at Luisa Beccaria and
Giambattista Valli
Viktor & Rolf spiral out of control!
3.1 Phillip Lim – zip it good!
Andrew Gn

Galliano Resort

Nathan Jenden lego (?) mania
Basso & Brooke
Blumarine, via nytimes.com. CC loves this intricate, colorful beading!
Emilio Pucci scarf-weaving – we are sooooo going to DIY this!
Gianfranco Ferre
Gareth Pugh’s accordion chic.
Marios Schwab
Pretty petals at Lanvin (purple), Alexander McQueen (yellow) and Peter Jensen (below, black)

Crazy crenellation at Versace
Accessories In High Relief:
Marc Jacobs on left; Louis Vuitton on right, in Bazaar
Armand Basi One
3.1 Phillip Lim
Burberry Prorsum
Christian Lacroix
Dries van Noten
Valentino
Christian Lacroix evening bag
Fendi
Louis Vuitton
Roberto Cavalli
Pick a 3-D Pocket! Polka dot at Lacroix and intricately beaded at Matthew Williamson

What to buy? Use your better instincts, darlings; find a piece that flatters while allowing one aspect of its construction (beads, folds, a well-placed oversize bloom, etc.) to be set in high relief.
CC opines that the safest way to channel this trend is with jewelry.
Runway inspiration at left: Vera Wang
At right: Subversive Toy Sunken Treasure necklace, at Barneys New York.
This Kate Spade Lady Marmalade ball charm bracelet is gorgeous, but a bit steep at $255. Get the 3-D bauble look for less with the lovely goldtone bracelet pictured at right and on sale at anntaylorloft.com for $14.99!
If you're feeling bold, go futuristic with this Nike Precool Vest, available for purchase at arcticheatusa.com; picture via nytimes.com.
Luella Penelope ribbon dress; this and next at net-a-porter.com.
Zac Posen Reglissé dress.

Let the pocket protect you!

Manoush dress, at my-wardrobe.com
Irregular Choice Clack Attack shoes. Visit irregularchoicestore.co.uk.
Last look: Vera Wang flower tunic at vivre.com - CC loves this color palette!

How do you feel, Fellow Fashionistas?

Are you ready to dress in three dimensions?

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Pocket Protector

Continuing her obsession-with-detail series of posts, CC takes a look at POCKETS on this steamy Saturday. No longer are they simply slim, functional patches of fabric. Now, pockets are design elements in themselves. Where once pockets were reserved for casual wear, they are cropping up on couture!
CC adores pockets . . . they make every outfit, even a floor-length gown, more cosy and approachable. See how the pocket is treated on the runway!
Above:

Amaya Arzuaga pocket madness, via Spanish Vogue online

Left:

Christian Lacroix Couture pocketed gown
The pocket is nearly naked at Givenchy! This picture via nymag.com
Givenchy exposed lace pocket detail
Chanel Couture

Fendi kangaroo pouch

Jean Paul Gaultier fan pockets, Spring 2008

Richard Nicoll pocketed tunic pantsuit, via vogue.com/fr

Temperley London

Zippered pockets at Rodarte; photo courtesy nymag.com

Michael Kors pocketed gold brocade gown

The resort vibe is all the more evident in these pocketed frocks!

Roberto Cavalli Resort 2009

Gucci Resort 2009

Hidden on-seam pockets at Rachel Roy Resort 2009
Even sweaters get the pocket treatment, as at Rebecca Taylor

In the stores . . .

Pockets are lots of fun when they pop up in unexpected places, as with this Vera Wang Lavender cropped faille jacket.

Visit net-a-porter.com to buy.

Where dresses once were streamlined and straightlaced, they are now imbued with a more casual feel . . .

Happie Loves It bow back pocket zebra dress, at asos.com

Side pocket v-neck tank dress, at alloy.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs heart print dress, at Neiman Marcus

Mulberry mixed panel dress with multiple zippered pockets and patch pockets! At net-a-porter.com.
T-Bags print off shoulder dress with rounded hip pockets. Visit shopbop.com

For the truly daring, who aren't afraid of making the pocket an architectural, attention-grabbing element, there is this lovely Chloe side pocket dress. Go to net-a-porter.com.

American Apparel striped pocket front dress $41.00

Fashion credits: Runway photos in this post, including detail shots, courtesy style.com except where otherwise credited.

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