The Shimmer and sheen trend is on the fashion radar this season and has been highlighted across the designer floor at shops with a surge of sequins.
Sequins originated from an amalgamation of the Arabic and Venetian words used for coins ‘Sikka’ and ‘Zecchin’. For many centuries coins were customarily stitched onto women’s clothing in order to display and store the family’s wealth – the method to adorn clothing with sequins was born. In the 20th century with our money safe in the bank and our wealth displayed according to title, sequins have become a key embellishment across both fashion and cultural clothing, however perhaps the traditional method is due a revival soon.
Oversized, gilded and multi-colour hued, sequins dominate the catwalk in 2008 and lightens up everything from tunic dresses to straight cut trousers, taking luxury to a new extreme.
Alexis Mabille makes an exclusively decadent statement with head-to-toe sequins. Classic trouser shapes are paired with relaxed luxe jackets in matt pewter shaded sequins and matching over-sized bow clutch bag completes the head-to-toe sequin look. Dries van Noten does not fail to deliver; an outstanding array of colourful embroidered tunic dresses all elaborately embellished with multi-hued sequins sit alongside simple high neck tops revived with flecked sequin shoulders, adding a subtly decorative touch.
’s eclectic collection includes his trademark wet-look sequins which dominate with dogstooth trousers flecked with gilded sequins and harlequin all-over sequin patterned mini dresses. A subtler effect is favoured at Miu Miu where must-have staples have been updated with an element of shimmer as sequins peep out of large lapel collars on silk shift dresses.
Anita Barr, Selfridges Buying Director for Womenswear comments: “Sequins is a key embellishment this season and every winter wardrobe should have an element of shimmer to complete a look – all over sequins or even a little splash, sequins is a definite staple for the coming months.”
With the sequins trend continuing on the Spring/Summer 09 catwalks brighten up your wardrobe with a key item that can be followed through to next season.