BUBBLE SKIRT FRENZY
Lately, I have noticed a frenzy in the puffiness of skirts. Maybe we are to blame Bally’s creative director Simone Bellotti, for puffy-ing skirts down the catwalk or Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière, who’s voluminous skirts continue to float down the London streets and my social feeds.
Bally SS24, Louis Vuitton SS24 and Jil Sander SS24
However, one cannot miss that at the same time the waist has dropped, quite a few inches I must say, not making it easy to hide those extra glasses of rosé we (read I) have recently indulged in thanks to that lately much overdue summer heat. Jil Sander’s collection also featured several drop-waist dresses, which came with ribbed tank top uppers and full skirts.
The cyclical nature of fashion trends are well known, with the naughties (second round for me) peculiarly STILL dancing next to me on the dance-floor but should we now welcome the Jazzy 1920s? Is The Great Gatsby back? Something, Challenger’s Zendaya could have been inspired by, taking on the drop-waist silhouette by wearing a custom, drop-waist Thom Browne dress to the films London premiere.
A look from the Lanvin archives.
The disproportionate appearance suggested by the lower waist was made elegant in the 1920s thanks to Jeanne Lanvin who put femininity and modernity into the trend, together with her celebrated use of ribbons, embroideries, pearls and extravaganza - made the ravaged look very desirable. Whilst today's fashion seems to focus more on the silhouette than its detailings. Here is my guide I hope can inspire you into the subsequent Jazz Age.
My choice, a H&M Dress, whilst still not entirely sure about the low-waist - paired with a black blazer.
Calf-length dress featuring a fitted top in ribbed cotton jersey with narrow shoulder straps and a scoop neckline at the front and back. Gathered seam below the waist and a flared skirt in an airy, lined weave.
£44.99
Cut on the bias from fluid satin-crepe and has a high, draped neckline with ties at the cutout back to adjust the shape. The skirt flares out gently from the dropped waist seam.
£1,700
This maxi dress is defined by two contrasting fabrics – the bodice is made from a lightweight linen blend, while the skirt is made from free-flowing ramie. It's designed with a dropped waist and shaped with subtle gathers that lend movement to the hem.
£70
The minimal design of this maxi dress ensures you can wear it for casual occasions or events with more elevated dress codes. Finely knitted from a merino wool-blend, it has slim straps and closely skims your figure before falling to a floaty, softly pleated hem.
£2,300
This shorter version is super soft thanks to its medium weight, soft, stretch jersey fabric - 88% TENCEL™ Lyocell, 12% Spandex.
£198
The design duo never fails to combine excellent detailing with comfort, this dress is no exception.
£473
Crafted in England from pristine white crepe de chine, this pared-back style has elegant petal sleeves, a dropped waist and discreet pockets to enhance its easy-going appeal.
£425
This dress has a ribbed bodice and pleated midi skirt that at first glance, creates the illusion of separates. It's knitted from soft, weighty wool-blend in a versatile anthracite shade. Style yours with leather knee boots and a clutch.
£4,800
The particular color and shape of this midi dress are what make it so striking. Cut from tactile red cloqué, it fits slim through the bodice and has a gathered, drop waist that adds volume through the skirt.
£2,040
Long sleeveless dress with a round neck. Textured stretch fabric. Matching balloon poplin hem. Buttoned opening at the back.
£45.99