Spring Break
Attire Authority
by Aaron Finegold
Fashion | 3/13/07
Posted online at 11:15 PM EST on 3/12/07
Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe, whose research interests include United States patents, would be happy to know that patent leather is one of the most important trends of the spring season. And it's available in more than just tuxedo shoes; this year it can be found from trench coats to clutches to watchbands.
Patent leather has a plastic coating, which is what allowed boys to "see up my skirt" (due to patent shoes) in the 1970s musical Grease. And by "my" I, of course, mean Sandy's. Anyway, this shiny look is what separates patent from other leathers, and though it is easy to imitate, it cannot be reproduced. This special construction allows it to maintain its shiny property throughout its lifetime-really only a few months, anyway, in the fashion world. The gloss does come off over time, but patent will always be smoother than full-grain or suede.
This season is full of exciting and innovative new ways to wear patent leather and incorporate it with other trends or flattering styles. For example, flats are becoming more and more visible; so far I have seen patent flats from Sigerson Morrison, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo. But heels and sandals, which are no strangers to the springtime, are also taking advantage of this patent craze. One of the greatest shoe legends in the world, Manolo Blahnik has created patent leather high-heeled sandals with pink interiors-they're fabulous!
For belts, the recent trend has been a bit of a perverse extremism. In the last two years, the production levels for normal-sized belts have decreased. Now, large belts worn on the outside of your clothing or skinny belts (to match the skinny jeans, of course) have been the only acceptable options. Combining these trends, designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci have made some of the best-looking belts in the industry. And a shiny black (or white) belt with an otherwise neutral and muted outfit can be the piece that saves and all together lackluster and boring ensemble.
Patent leather has a plastic coating, which is what allowed boys to "see up my skirt" (due to patent shoes) in the 1970s musical Grease. And by "my" I, of course, mean Sandy's. Anyway, this shiny look is what separates patent from other leathers, and though it is easy to imitate, it cannot be reproduced. This special construction allows it to maintain its shiny property throughout its lifetime-really only a few months, anyway, in the fashion world. The gloss does come off over time, but patent will always be smoother than full-grain or suede.
This season is full of exciting and innovative new ways to wear patent leather and incorporate it with other trends or flattering styles. For example, flats are becoming more and more visible; so far I have seen patent flats from Sigerson Morrison, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo. But heels and sandals, which are no strangers to the springtime, are also taking advantage of this patent craze. One of the greatest shoe legends in the world, Manolo Blahnik has created patent leather high-heeled sandals with pink interiors-they're fabulous!
For belts, the recent trend has been a bit of a perverse extremism. In the last two years, the production levels for normal-sized belts have decreased. Now, large belts worn on the outside of your clothing or skinny belts (to match the skinny jeans, of course) have been the only acceptable options. Combining these trends, designers like Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci have made some of the best-looking belts in the industry. And a shiny black (or white) belt with an otherwise neutral and muted outfit can be the piece that saves and all together lackluster and boring ensemble.
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