STRING THEORY

A new idea has emerged. A single thread winding and wrapping its way around the female form has quickly become the remarkably versatile must-have look for any woman. A thought that first appeared for fall 08 has carried itself quite nicely into spring/summer 2009 and shows no sign of stopping. Whether it is ribbon, fringe, or string the trend is undeniable. Below we dissect the best of this look that lasts…

(Above: All Lanvin f/w 2008/9. Images via style.com)

RIBBON CUTTING

When Alber Elbaz debuted his fall 2008 collection for Lanvin back in March it was quickly hailed by the fashion press as the collection of the season. His look was all about the little black dress. What made this fashion essential special and so revolutionary was the fact that most pieces were entirely constructed out of rows and rows of ribbon. The idea of a single thread wrapping around a woman’s body quickly spread and inspired other designers for the spring 2009 season. However it is hard to top the collection that started it all. Go for a modern take on the classic cocktail by picking up one of the many versions at Lanvin.

(From right to left: Alexander Wang, Alberta Ferretti, and 3.1 Phillip Lim. All s/s 2009. Images via style.com)

FRINGE FEST

Possibly the most accessible take on the trend is the many fringed options that have popped up for both fall and spring. A versatile look that has its origins in flappers and hippies has never felt so right for right now. Take for example the rocker-chic grunge looks at Alexander Wang for spring 2009. Here fringe is taken to the hard extreme where it can be seen both on towering platform heels and adorning the back of sporty jackets and sweatshirts. But contrast this with Alberta Ferretti’s vaguely 1920s collection for the same season and the look could not be lighter or more innocent. Her modern takes on the flapper dress expresses a more elegant and feminine beauty. If these looks are too daring one can always turn to footwear. Here the options are endless. Christian Louboutin has a lovely pair of fringe-covered boots for fall/winter 08 which could satisfy the trend for any woman. Or look to 3.1 Phillip Lim in spring for pairs of fringed out sandals in both tan and black.

(Above: Jil Sander s/s 09. Image via nytimes.com)

STRINGS ATTACHED

A quietly directional take on the trend was developed by Raf Simons. His spring/summer 2009 collection for Jil Sander further explored the idea of a single thread. Dresses constructed entirely of string. The precise use of this material allowed Simons to play with light and shadows in a new way. Has a dress ever before looked both remarkably somber and sexual at the same time? What first appears to be a simple and minimalist black dress becomes something new with every step. The fluidity of the string allows the dress to shift and move. The result is an intensely feminine and openly sensual silhouette. The trend reaches its visual epitome with this collection. Any woman with a taste for minimalism should invest now in one of these remarkably directional dresses.