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Thursday, May 17, 2012

FASHION

Taking the Apron Out of the Kitchen and onto the Runway

D&G, 3.1 Philip Lim, Anna Sui

D&G Spring 2011 Fashion Trends (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images); 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2011 (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images); Anna Sui Spring 2011 (Photo by Daniele Schiavello/Catwalking/Getty Images)

The pinafore: it was my home economics teacher’s fail-safe sewing pattern for its simple square neckline and tieback straps. If you botched the job, no matter, as it was worn over other dresses, never alone.

For spring 2011 fashion trends, a number of top fashion designers including Missoni, Anna Sui, D&G, Phillip Lim and Reed Krakoff, took design inspiration from the apron, using it to introduce new patterns and add angles to stylish outfits.  Borrowing details like deep front pockets (remember the Candy Striper smock!?), side slits and open back ties, the historically utilitarian silhouette as interpreted on spring runways were more fanciful, less homespun. (The look also made an appearance at the buzzed about prairie-themed Fall 2011 Rodarte show.)

If you’ve been following the layering craze of season’s past, apron-inspired garments tap into that fashion trend, extending it a season longer. Top fashion designers are also more likely to view the shapes as more of an abstraction of an apron than the ‘50s housewife-style the name evokes.

Alexa Chung, Amanda Seyfried

Alexa Chung (Photo by Brian Killian/WireImage); Amanda Seyfried (Photo by James Devaney/WireImage)

You may think retailers would be reluctant to embrace the apron fashion trend, but Lindsay Mousoudakis, owner of Muse boutique in Houston, says that layering the apron over other pieces takes the function of  ‘yesterday’ and turns it into ‘fashion’ today. “People are shopping smarter now and want clothes that can be worn several different ways,” she says. “The apron dress gives our customer the option of layering with other pieces and mix up their looks.”

On eBay, listings for "apron dress" in the Clothing, Shoes and Accessories category are up 16 percent in a recent 30 day period (1/23-2/21) compared to approximately one year prior.

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Comments

4a7a5ac6-547c-40ad-9758-27c00b6290af Mon, 7 Mar 2011 17:58:01 PST Mon, 7 Mar 2011 17:58:01 PST
Aik0
comment-post

This to me portends a backwards movement for women, toward the old ideas of domesticity. Aprons can be cute, but I don't want society telling me to wear one. That's basically like a slap in the face and a "get back in the kitchen, ho!" from a culture that SHOULD be above that.

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