NAUGHTY, isn't it, how fashion strives to turn you into something you're not? Some women yearn for any excuse to dress up in everyday life as Cleopatra or a Romanov princess. They clearly crave a spot of fashion escapism, and are well-served by designers whose work is spun from historical fantasy. By contrast, other women remain steadfastly committed to whatever's bold and new, patronising any designer who offers a space odyssey into sci-fi futurism. And, of course, there's that
But most women, I suspect, merely want fashion to serve up something that looks fresh and flatters them. That said, I doubt they ever know want they want until they see it – which isn't much of a brief for the apparel industry to go on. But, in these
financially uncertain times, fashion is obliged to delight the consumer rather than lead her astray. And this surely means there's less scope for excesses and extremes.
Besides, having self-evidently overdosed on the sexed-up and wanton in innumerable recent seasons, it was probably high time fashion checked itself in for a spell in stylistic rehab. But is fashion really taking a no-sex pledge? Well, it does seem determined to tease out your inner lady. And high-street stores most certainly seem to be focusing on the Park Avenue debutante rather than the happy hooker this spring, with evidence aplenty of a new propriety that's more prissy than anything Charlotte York ever wore on Sex and the City.
Having said that, this new ladylike chic is not without very real charms. It's pretty and it's playful too – as typified by Next's summery frock, with Jigsaw's bright red butterfly-clasp belt adding the all-important waist accentuation.
The key elements are pretty dresses, knee-length full skirts, and such dainty detailing as the faux necklace of white beads and red ribbon that tricks up the neckline of D&G's white shell top. That, lady, may be the most fun you'll be having with your clothes on this season.
The full article contains 343 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
