I have decided to put all of my "Western Fashion " Threads into one big thread that I will continually update, instead of creating dozens of new threads. (Thanks Softgrey).
So, here I present to you the first of many of my posts to come in this thread.
Home on the Range
Fall’s dabbling in the resurrection of the cowboy boot was just a hint of spring’s enchantment with frontier chic. Rock-sweet fashion femme, Anna Sui, wins our hearts by taking the denim fascination of the past seasons to flirtier arenas with cowgirl looks embellished with rows of lace at hemlines, necklines and adorable puffed shoulder jackets. But, those Western looks don’t stop with the blue stuff – even saloon-inspired
lingerie-esque numbers enter in. Baby doll silhouettes in the most delicate eyelet play a key role, and long lacey cuffs embellish the
sweetest blouses. To accessorize the look: an oversize ribbon, bow-tied around a simple ponytail, a flower-topped hat, a choker about the neck, or even lacey or knee-high tights with sexy sandals.
Diane von Furstenburg, a designer who always works the best of a season into some of the most wearable looks around, salutes the Old West with a row of fringe on a floral summer dress with elbow length sleeves, finished with a fluttering ruffle and lace-up sandals. Among Lars Nilssin’s second collection for the all-American label, Bill Blass, suits play a key role, but when it comes to casual or evening attire, florals are the thing. And among some of the bolder styles, a double-tiered modern prairie skirt paired with a white silk blouse just shines. Even Imitation of Christ, known for reworking vintage into some of the most unique garments to date, keys into the frontiersman feel of spring with a lace-up black and white frock, finished with antiqued lace shoulders and a lace-trimmed neckline. Marc Jacobs, the designer who knows exactly which decades to ransack for the most sought-after styles each season, takes a Western cue for part of his bridge line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, with the quintessential sundress – complete with tie-up shoulder straps, gathered top and a flowing three-quarter silhouette. Lacey, eyelet numbers make an appearance at Oscar de la Renta, in flirty bustier-topped dresses in the most innocent of whites. Brit designer, Luella Bartley, who showed in the Big Apple for the first time this year, pays homage to the good old U. S. of A. with Daniel Boone ‘coon tails, cowboy boots, Pocahontas suede boots, layers of ruffles, and bi-braided and pig-tailed models. Even those covertly sexy bloomers come into play. Ralph Lauren also recaptures this romantic era, with low-slung belts, delicate ruffled blouses, and antique lace skirts in whites and neutrals. If you’re into a simpler reference, Carolina Herrera slings a rugged belt over a bell-sleeved dress for the subtlest prairie-land reference around.