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Thursday, May 24, 2012

FASHION

Suddenly Everywhere: Chambray

Ella Moss Sleeveless Top; Ralph Lauren Collection Spring 2010 (Photo by Biasion Studio/WireImage); GAP Romper; Trina Turk Blazer; Alice & Olivia Shirt; Dallin Chase Tunic

Though the first iterations of simple, sturdy cotton chambray—also known as cambric—date all the way back to 16th century France, the material didn’t really turn up for mass consumption until the 1980s, when chambray shirts became de rigueur all over the world with designers like Ralph Lauren championing the trend. After peaking in popularity in the 90s, the denim-like cloth faded out of fashion until fairly recently, when it reappeared on runways, perhaps unsurprisingly, Ralph Lauren’s spring 2010 fashion show among them.

Designer Jason Cauchi of contemporary label Dallin Chase, who included striped chambray tunics and blouses in his most recent collection, reflects on the fabric’s resurgence: “There is a sincerity and lasting quality about chambray that makes it so interesting to work with. I love that it is not masculine or feminine which allows me a lot of freedom to build on the design without having any limitations.” He also notes its practicality, saying, “It is a fabric that can be washed and will age and become softer which is a quality I want our collection to have. I think most of all it is the classic sort of familiar attitude that makes it something that—be it a pretty day dress or an easy pullover tunic—is worth having and most of all keeping.”

There’s plenty of other evidence of chambray’s comeback, too. Case in point: Alice & Olivia’s coolly boxy, short sleeved button down; Trina Turk’s refined, work-or-weekend blazer; Ella Moss’ flirty sleeveless top; and Gap’s sweet-and-girly romper.

The trend is boiling over on eBay too. Here, we combed through the 2000+ offerings on the site to bring you ten of chambray’s chicest:

 

 

1. NEW Military Crest Pinafore Jumper (buy it now price, $26.88)

2. Everly Sleeveless Chambray Belted Dress (buy it now price, $38.01)

3. NEW Custom Ralph Lauren Chambray Pillow (buy it now price, $19.99)

4. NEW Gap Colorblock Canvas Chambray Tote (buy it now price, $24.99)

5. NEW Juicy Couture Chambray Capri Pants (buy it now price, $19.99)

6. NEW American Eagle Chambray Denim Moto Jacket (starting bid, $24.99)

7. NEW J. Crew Beach Chambray Front Tie Tunic (buy it now price, $49.99)

8. NEW Mike and Christ Chambray Shirt (buy it now price, $175)

9. NEW Keds Originals Chambray Canvas Sneakers (buy it now price, $14.95)

10. NEW Anthropologie Alpine Dream Chambray Skirt ($37.99)

 

Emily Hsieh is a freelance writer and editor in New York City who has contributed to publications including Lucky, Allure, InStyle, and People.

 

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