The infusion of masculine elements in women’s wear is now several, several seasons old; the attempt by many right now is to find newer ways of doing it, case in point being Dries Van Noten’s recent ready-to-wear show in Paris. Menswear fabric has seen a strong presence in women’s wear for Fall/ Winter 2013/14, as have silhouettes, like oversize outerwear. Accessories, though, have largely stuck to their gender-specific roles, brogues being a recent exception.
A strong statement through accessories was made by Francisco Costa at Calvin Klein at the Fall/ Winter 2013-14 fashion week in New York when, to reinforce the effect of the largely monochrome line that featured leather separates, knee-high boots and power shoulders, made wide belts with chunky metallic buckles the focus accessory. Since then, masculine belts have made many an appearance, with varying results.
Prabal Gurung paired black leather belts with dresses in duchess satin, the former also toughening up swirl-print day dresses at House of Holland. Even zipper belts made an appearance in ICB, Gurung’s second line. Giant-buckle belts also screamed for attention at Gianfranco Ferre, as they did in Marni. Miuccia Prada used gold belts on gingham check dresses, while bling came on metal buckles at Ralph Lauren.
