Trendlet Alert: Patchwork

By Marni Elyse Katz
August 16, 2010

Mention patchwork and and dippy hippie ‘70s looks are likely to come to mind—long multi-patterned skirts paired with a poncho and center part. But it wasn’t "The Brady Bunch" that designers were channeling this season on the runways. Instead, we saw scrappy, edgy, and innovative patchwork styles presented for fall. The fashion elite embraced the look at Paris Fashion Week, and some of the best-dressed bloggers are also loving the look. In the shoes, clothing and accessories category on eBay in the last week, more than 3,700 patchwork items were offered, ranging from bags by the likes of Chanel, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors, to a Comme des Garcons gown.

We’ve pulled a slew of patchowrk runway shots, as well as finds from eBay so you can style your own look.

YIGAL AZROUEL, RAG & BONE, AND MISSONI:
Chunky Knits

Yigal Azrouel showed the most traditional take on the style with cozy neutral knits. Missoni added a twist with more exuberant texture, pattern and color, and design duo David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone went with patchwork mixed with lumberjack plaid. (Missoni Runway; Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Get the look on eBay: Clockwise from top left: NEW Coldwater Creek Unique Artistry Patchwork Cardigan (buy it now price, $14.99); NEW Sparrow Anthropologie Patchwork Cardigan Sweater (from $1.04); NEW Anthropologie Patchwork Cardigan (starting bid, $49.50); NEW Red Patchwork Alpaca Wool Scarf (buy it now price, $58.99); NEW Missoni Patchwork Sweater Vest (buy it now price, $249.99)

RODARTE: Floral and Lace Leftovers

Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy went heavy on the arts-and-crafts aesthetic with looks that seemed created from remnants of just about anything they could get their hands on, including brocades, burnout velvets, lace, crochet, and ribbon bits. (Rodarte Runway; Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Get the look on eBay: NEW Coldwater Creek Tapestry Patchwork Vest (buy it now price, $76.99); Hale Bob Silk Beaded Burnout Patchwork Tunic (buy it now price, $34)

PETER PILOTTO and MATTHEW WILLIAMSON:
Eye-Popping Patterns

London designer Peter Pilotto and his partner Christopher De Vos took inspiration for color and patterning from seventies interiors, while fellow Londoner Matthew Williamson’s dresses were just as vibrant, though more sophisticated in their tailoring. (Matthew Williamson; Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Get the look on eBay: Sacred Threads Patchwork (from $8.49); NEW Haren/Genie/Gypsy Patchwork Pants (buy it now price, $27.99); Vintage ‘60's Hippie Patchwork Dress (buy it now price, $200)

ANNA SUI and DKNY: Velvet

Anna Sui came closest to channeling seventies styles with her velvet square creations, while Donna Karan took a more mod approach with asymmetric constructions of rich colors and metallics. (DKNY Runway; Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for IMG)

Get the look on eBay: Dolce & Gabbana Collector’s Patch (from $74.99); NEW ABS Velvet Patchwork Drape Neck Asymmetric Dress (buy it now price, $45)

CHANEL and EMILIO PUCCI: Fur

Karl Lagerfeld set an Arctic scene with an iceberg imported from Scandinavia. A most playful way to show off his multi-toned furs. Pucci designer Peter Dundas indulged in things that felt “lush,” like feathers, crocodile, and Chewbacca-like fur. (Pucci Runway; Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

Get the look on eBay: Gianfranco Ferre Jeans Patchwork Brown Suede Vest (buy it now price, $49); French Patchwork Fur Jacket (buy it now price, $969.99); NEW Shepard’s Lamb Fur & Suede Jacket Made in Greece (buy it now price, $99.99)

PARIS 68: Leather

Moving on from consulting with her husband on William Rast, Paris 68 designer Marcella Lindeberg channeled rock’n’roll MILFs with pieces that included subtly patchworked leather mini-skirted ensembles. (Paris 68 Runway; Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images)