Fashion: 2007 Lookback

As the world faced a climate crisis, and everyone was clamping it down to save money and resources, fashion took the opposite direction. Luxury labels went on an upward spiral in the race to have the most expensive item in their catalogue.  

Nicolas Ghesquiere takes the award for most inventive and expensive secondary accessory when he came up with gold leggings that looked like a hot version of King Arthur's armor for Balenciaga's Spring '07.

Here is the question.  At $159,000 a pair, would even Europe's richest run to the shops to buy it?  Would Allan Shwartz copy them?  Allan, for you fashion newbies, is notorious for knocking off designer creations for the Target market. While some may say that it is so offensive (and yes it is btw), imitation the greatest form of flattery.  So if Mr. S does not copy the tights, what does that mean in the real world.

Then again, are we really talking about the real world?  Come on!  It's luxe fashion, targeted at perhaps 10 % or less of the world's population.

Not everyone can afford the Birken with pave diamonds at $148,000. Or the Bottega Veneta for $78,000.  At those prices though, the houses are clearly not trying to sell them to people who travel in coach!  And fyi, both bags sold.

Fashion: 2007 Lookback

The year is coming to a close. And international fashion became even harder to understand for the average consumer, even as it raised its aspirational quotient. 

In the next few entries, let me try to pick out the more whimsical approaches and directions fashion has taken and make sense of the beauty.

Surrealism is certainly not what the average consumer would want to put in their wardrobes.  Nevertheless, it is the art that inspired many houses in 2007.  From Miu Miu's teacup handle-heel shoes to Marc Jacobs' slip on pumps, everyone was going back to the museums to soak in the art vibe from the best of the Surrealists like Dali and Oppenheim.

Some may say that it is a little too yuksome, while others may say fashion is art and mirroring other artforms is what it is about.

I say, if it looks good, wear it!

Beauty: Sarah Jessica Parker - Covet

OK so I know the fragrance has been launched already.  But I just had to put this in.  No fashion blog is complete without SJP.  This commercial is almost right up there with Nicole and Chanel some time back.

The thing about SJP is that she is not only a smart marketeer, she is also very in tune with delivering what the advertizing promises.  So yes, Covet is truly a great follow up to her first fragrance, Lovely. And it is nice to know she follows the television principle of 'Keep It Simple Stupid'.  Every product line she comes up with is branded with single words.  Easy to remember, packaged to be aspirational, price point to please.

Smart woman.  Can't wait for SATC the Movie!