Just when certain crafts are dying off, others experience a resurgence, and by that, I mean elaborate and incredibly handsome embroidery. Machines can certainly do it, but most of the runway-worthy embroidery this season fell closer in line with couture than machine-wrought designs. Embroidered options veered both Latin/Central American and Eastern European, while ethnic prints still largely tribal, were evidenced from 11th Avenue in Chelsea to Lincoln Center. See below for some of my favorite looks in this category, and also check out our other trend reports on paint, pastels, and black & white.
Marc Jacobs
Jacobs’ signature hodgepodge style of fabrications and influences has been very “more is more” over the past several years, and this season it truly comes to fruition with pieces that are as unconventional as they come, yet flow symbiotically in the world of Marc Jacobs.
Naeem Khan
Frida Kahlo as inspiration has turned out to be a popular choice for spring, seen in the embroidery, hair, and makeup styles.
Anna Sui
Sui has always worked the boho, hippie angle, hence some ethnic embroidery in ’60s flower child silhouettes is right up her alley.
Donna Karan
Hip on ethnic prints for several seasons now, Karan finally seems confident in more sultry, sensual cuts that move the prints into cult status territory.
Sass & Bide
Taking ethnic embroidery and strategically placing it in more body conscious silhouettes ushers in a new era of embellishment.
Rachel Zoe
Embellished lace can be called many different names and possess dozens of varieties of design, but at it’s heart, it’s delicate embroidery. With her love of the 1970s apparent, Zoe understands the art of subtly making a statement with this long white sheath dress.
Nicole Miller
Embroidery on pants, and namely denim, down the front or the side seams is going to be HUGE as early as this fall/winter, so go ahead and scour the racks for a pair, as they are guaranteed to be flying off the shelves. Best part? I ALREADY spotted a pair for $15 at TJMAXX, so for the most part, you won’t have to worry about this embroidery design being cost prohibitive.
[Images via MBFashionWeek.com & WWD]
This season’s collection had such beautiful examples that I had to pick two, and even at that, it was a challenge to narrow it down! The patterning found on the aqua dress is just stunning, while the mix of fabrications (houndstooth and embroidery) feels so contemporary that there are certain to be many an imitation of this look in the coming months.
