For the Love of Suede – A Fashion-Affair Between “Star-Crossed” Fabrics

Posted Dec 09, 2011

There was a time when “rich” silk or fur could never be seen with the likes of a lowly Brushed-Suede, it just wasn’t done.  Rules of “style-society” wouldn’t allow those two worlds to mix. This is the year of plush-power, with endless patterns and textures making the combinations a truly luscious “fashion-affair.”  Gone are the days of “restricting” relationships between high-end fabrics and those that were thought to be from the Wrong Side of the Fashion-Tracks.  Forcing these “star crossed fabrics” to meet for midnight trysts, in darkly lit bars or behind closed doors, where one could never tell that the “Pure-Threads” had been compromised.  But this is the 21st Century and “Inter-Fabric” relationships are encouraged.  As “faux” fur & leather are enjoyed by women of all economic backgrounds, a new way of thinking has ushered in a kind of “tolerance”, calling on the end of all “fabric discrimination.”  Allowing for Stunning-Suede to take center-stage this Winter.  Long thought of as the bastard step-child of such decadent fabrics as leather/cashmere, Suede often gets misunderstood as the “black-sheep” of the Fashion-Family.  But 2011 is the Year of Suede, with pieces so rich in design/color, it’s pedigree will never be questioned again.  Leading the “movement” is Proenza Schuler bringing in suede dresses with delicately cut geometric-shapes adding to the super-hot “Mod” trend, and Emilio Pucci delivering wildly-chic designs, with a 60’s vibe and London flavor.  Following the more edgy “Houses”, very commercial names like, “Ralph Lauren” and “Valentino” followed with their own brand of “Opulent-Suede”, adding elegant-androgyny to the mix, resulting in a gorgeous mix of pant suits and “men’s-inspired” tuxedo looks (that would kill at any holiday party).  So don’t be afraid to Mix it Up, your love is finally acceptable.