Nowadays, it takes a strong and many may say ‘brave’ individual to critique an extremely popular catwalk trend; often fronted by the likes of mega stars Beyonce and Rihanna. However, known for her classic, crisp and elegant style, it came as no surprise that Venezuelan-American designer Carolina Herrera spoke out against the ‘barely-there dress’ or as she put it to be “almost naked”. Speaking in an interview for the Washington Post, Herrera demonstrated her dislike saying, “They think it’s going to attract younger people if they do those dresses. No! The almost naked! Oh God! They’re trying to get people to pay attention to them.” A controversial statement indeed concerning superstars with fans so fiercely dedicated and fashion conscious.
Herrera was of course referencing this years Met Gala; fashions biggest night, where perhaps some of the most memorable gowns were those of Beyonce (in Givenchy), Jennifer Lopez (in Versace) and Kim Kardashian (in Roberto Cavalli). Adhering to the Chinese theme? Questionable. Each one daring and especially sheer? Most definitely. But is the allure of these sexy revealing dresses taking away from the whole point of fashion itself? To be a trendsetter, a style icon or a fashion guru surely there has to be substance to admire; from the cut of the frock, and the rich materials, to stunning embroidery and bold prints. Like Herrera argues, how can they be fashion icons if “they’re not wearing anything.”
Herrera isn’t a prude. Just revisit her Spring ’15 Bridal collection to see a showcase of gorgeous silk georgette and taffeta dresses with plunging necklines. She isn’t old fashioned. Young celebrity fans include, actress Dianna Agron, fashionista Olivia Palermo and model Lily Aldridge. One could describe her as an advocate for elegance – classic silhouettes with modern twists. She argues for proportion, moderation and ambiguity. After all as Herrera so wisely proclaims, “In life, there should be a little mystery.”
Rukaiyah Dadhiwala