Sheer Genius
One of fall’s most popular accents came as a sheer surprise, given plunging temperatures and the abundance of fur touches. But sheer overlays, especially atop the neckline, appeared across the spectrum on Fall/Winter 2007 runways from Baby Phat to Carolina Herrera.
London export Matthew Williamson ended his eclectically colored extravaganza with a midnight-black, floor-length dress covered with a sheer, textured overlay. BCBG Max Azria featured a cornflower-blue top draped dramatically over a slate balloon skirt—the look successfully toed the line between seductive and modest. Likewise, up-and-comer Jayson Brunsdon used sheer organza to great effect, extending otherwise coquettish frocks into dazzling cocktail dresses fit for a grand ball.
While sheer fabric is often associated with nighttime clothing, designers proved that it can be a viable option for work as well. Diane von Furstenberg paired a slim pencil skirt and crisp jacket with a sheer black top, while Nanette Lepore coupled a plum shirt with sheer neckline and sleeves with a tweed skirt. As for red carpet glamour, we bet that stars will fall for Badgley Mischka’s ethereal indigo gown with a cascade of sheer fabric, finished off with an ornately bejeweled neckline. The wonderfully versatile texture accentuates many of fall’s silhouettes and effectively balances the sweet with the sassy.