At NYFW: Sheer Genius

If winter is the season for solids and knits, then apparently spring stands for transparent this year. Sheer fabrics are popping up all over the runway, whether in a harem pant or a full-length gown.

Charlotte Ronson managed to romanticize ‘90s grunge with a throwback to the styles that once accompanied Hole 8 tracks. The messy baby doll look possibly used a polished Courtney Love as a muse, rocking her classic band attire from 20 years back of see-through knit dresses, soft florals made hard and the occasional touch of flannel. However, instead of pairing a pair of Dr. Martens with the short, feminine dresses, Ronson opted for frilly socks and strappy sandals, giving the ensembles a touch of class. For anyone wondering if it’s OK to tie your sweater around your waist, Ronson gave the so-called faux pas a thumbs up, even wrapping sweaters around the waists of dresses. Is this a new interpretation of layering?

Vera Wang is known for her wedding-worthy gowns, and although she’s produced some showstoppers this year, her line was surprisingly subdued for spring. The woman familiar with creating beautiful gowns in shades of white, eggshell and ivory brought out some edge with a predominately black show. A rusty orange was tossed in here and there, in a silk skirt or sheath dress, giving an unexpected pop of color in her characteristically monochromatic show. She was also a big fan of the sheer trend, draping models in transparent, ruched tulle (pictured above).

Mixed in between tailored suits and boot-cut denim, Thakoon Panichgul showed off some gauzy looks hardly appropriate outside the bedroom. Tank dresses,
in see-through organza, drew looks as barely clad models left little to the imagination. However, the beautiful petallike layering gave the dresses volume and movement – and a reason to be appreciated. A simple slip could bring this lavender number from private to public.