Many of fashion’s innovators still are crazy about minimalism. Especially when it comes to the dress.
Jil Sander, Tom Ford of Gucci, Ann Demeulemeester and Helmut Lang aren’t the type to abandon the ascetic approach.
Minimal moves forward for spring with its emphasis on three “s” words: sleek, simple, sexy. Sometimes it seems to be a competition to see who can do away with the most and still leave cloth covering the body.
Where there used to be a proper armhole, you may see an engineering feat that uncovers a new erogenous zone. Suspension dresses are held up with invisible straps. Tubes obviate the need for straps altogether. Jersey is the preferred fabric, not leaving any excess in its wake.
The only relief comes from a tuck, a pleat, a filament strap, perhaps a cowl back or an asymmetrical hem.
The effect: subtle, sultry, sinuous. Counting, are you? Guess that brings the number of “s” words up to six.
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RESOURCES
Pg. 22: Versace gray herringbone dress, $3,130, at the Versace Boutique, Neiman Marcus and select Nordstrom stores.
Pg. 23: Jil Sander navy strapless dress, $750, and white and gold chain sandals, $340, at Jil Sander.
Pg. 24: Manolo black cowl-back dress, $1,800, by special order at Saks Fifth Avenue. Manolo Blahnik black ankle-strap shoes, $450, at Barneys New York.
Pg. 25: Richard Tyler black chiffon strapless dress, $1,295, at Ultimo. Versace shoes not available.
Pg. 26: Gucci black three-layer chiffon halter dress, $1,125, and black leather bra, $495, at Gucci, Ultimo and Neiman Marcus.
Pg. 27: Ann Demeulemeester blue stretch top, $180, and blue stretch skirt, $350, at Blake.
Model: Kahshanna Evans, Q Management, New York.
Hair/makeup: Cammy Kelly, Elite Chicago.
(Fashion Magazine, Page 33.)
