On Neutral Ground

It’s always wise to bet on things that are guaranteed to last for years, decades even. Hence, the term investment pieces. In a world where the so-called "It" thing is history after less than a quarter of a year, it can be quite challenging for one to determine which items are worth trading an arm and a leg for and which ones are simply ridiculous. Then again, that’s what fashion is all about: Today’s must-have is tomorrow’s fashion faux pas. As the year ushers in a fresh take on fashion essentials, we witness a return to the more basic, essential pieces that are both versatile as it is fitting for a year that emulates streamlined, subtly polished and sensible style.

The runways for 2007 have taken a turn from the opulent, over-the-top and theatrical to a more somber, sophisticated color palette that highlights mellow yet superior detailing. Michael Kors, a global fashion mover whose fame has been magnified tenfold, thanks to the hit reality show Fashion Runway, pays tribute to the dynamics of dance through stretch wool and matte jersey in beige, gray, black and brown while taking inspiration from jazz and street dance, remaining essentially chic. Similarly, we are once again impressed by the consistent mastery of Narcisco Rodriguez over clean and sleek minimalist numbers as seen in his white day dresses that brilliantly merges the season’s affiliation for simultaneous flow and structured edge. Hermes takes on a more unconventional take on Spring fashion utilizing fabrics that are anything but wispy-leather, wool and suede. Nonetheless, the label’s penchant for lush earth tones seem to blend right into the season’s movement towards hues that are visually soothing as they are stimulating. We, of course, give our proper credit to the occasional appearance of silks and chiffon that are staples for just about every Spring/Summer collection. Whether it be in metallic or matte treatment, neutrals-mixed with just the right dose of bright yellows, blues or pinks are definitely making a huge, if not permanent, comeback in today’s fashion lexicon.

We have entered a zone, a time in style so to speak, where fashion paves the way for detail and genuine creativity through lighter shades of brown, ethereal whites, dramatic blacks and gloomy grays. Truth be told, with such limited choice in color, how much impact can an ensemble possibly make if not for its superior workmanship. Taking that much-needed breather from blinding tones and detail overdose of past seasons, pieces that dominate this year’s style requisites are anything but boisterous. Less is, indeed, more. The absence of color, if one dare say, reveals what truly lies beneath. Black is always a staple. Then again, browns or beige has once been proclaimed the new black. And the same goes for grays. White, as we may know, will always be the immaculate and pristine shade one simply cannot do without regardless of season or trend. We return to a comforting, yet equally exciting time in chic dressing when style once again finds a suited place on neutral grounds. This time around, it is presented to us in a manner that is anything but common place or quintessential. And that makes this particular fashion movement all the more worth watching out for.

Sullen Theatrics

Delicate drapes harmoniously blend in with sharp tailoring this year as exhibited by the poetic charm of Alexander McQueen. For the more contemporary dresser, noir takes fast forward motion via cyber-goddess pieces dress. Fendi’s take on dark Sedgwick silhouettes similarly brings silent nostalgic charm to a rather irresistible melancholy tone.

Lightness of Being

CFDA Designer of the Year and Calvin Klein’s in-house designer Francisco Costa has once again impressed the fashion arena as he brings to the fore a wide array of fabric treatments to your quintessential all-white ensemble. Sure, we love to throw in a crisp white Oxford shirt and a pair of white pants to create that effortlessly elegant look. The year, however, opens its doors to other fashion options that are nothing short of genius: wear them shirred, pleated or tucked. Lagerfeld’s Chanel, however, remains faithful to the design sensibilities that have made him a legend in his own respect by incorporating his signature chains and checks with standard issue jackets, white cotton tops and shirtdresses.

Stripped Down

The great thing about nudes is that it immediately draws attention to other style elements such as accessories – a divine purse or immaculate jewelry – or, better yet, a golden tan from sun shinny days spent vacationing in exotic destinations. Ethereal and sensual, this hue brings to mind images of a midsummer’s night on sprawling estates as executed by Bottega Veneta during its Spring/Summer 2007 collection. Marc Jacobs, always one to present the unexpected, combines the romantic and the sporty through pieces that are otherworldly while keeping to the parameters of wearability.

Overcast Forecast

It has been common notion for many to think of gray as dull, if not unacceptable by the standards of contemporary style. John Galliano, however, puts Christian Dior right at the heart of Spring fashion as he revives the smart suit in hues that are inspired by gray skies alien to the usual mantra of the season. This kind of sensible irony is precisely what makes his work fascinating. It is posh yet far from contrived. Free of fuss and frill, Dior’s collection looks to opposing design elements – gloom and lack of bloom – that one will either emulate or misunderstand. Peter Som is also drawn to the understated shade as influence from Louvre’s masterpieces seem to provide him with the perfect canvas for his subtle imagery. Quite identical to Som, are the frothy details that breath life into the pieces by Junya Watanabe that unite modern punk and old world romantic splendor in the shade that lies between the dark and the bright: gray.

(Any thoughts? Email the author at bianca.salonga@gmail.com)

Store Information

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