awkward CHIC: Trend-spotting: Asymmetrical Hemlines

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Trend-spotting: Asymmetrical Hemlines

Alright, back to Fashion Month. One of the big trends from each Fashion Week was asymmetrical hemlines. Now, that can mean a lot of things: asymmetrical slits, uneven wraps, the hemline equivalent of a mullet (long in the back, short in the front), unevenly layered or gathered or anywhere in between. What I like about this trend is that it's an easy way to incorporate a bit of edge and spontaneity into your wardrobe without being too trendy, since the hemline is far away from (what should be) the focal point, your face.

Versace, Blumarine, Emilio Pucci: That Versace dress is so hot. Actually, I want all three of these. I think I'm most surprised that the half-gown silhouette from Balmain a few seasons ago caught on as much as it did.

Balmain, Lanvin, Louise Goldin: I think the tattered hem at Balmain is an interesting take on the trend. It's destroyed, military chic. There's no way that Lanvin gown would be practical in real life, but it's still gorgeous. I can't get over how gorgeous the skirt on this Louise Goldin dress is. It's a great mix of tiers and ruffles and cutaway layers.

Chanel, Costume National, Elie Saab: I love all of these. So much. I can't even pick a favorite.

Tibi, Lela Rose, Jason Wu: I think all of these hems are really creative. They all have fantastic movement, and they all manage to be unexpected, but still refined.

Diane Von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, BCBG: DVF has a more subtle take on the trend, whereas BCBG is a little more glam and dramatic (it almost looks like a cape!). I think Prabal Gurung's take is really interesting, with the cutaway skirt and feather underskirt.

Since this trend just hit its stride, there aren't that many retails options right now, but I rounded up a few asymmetrical hem dresses for you guys.

LaROK Venice Beach Dress, $124 down from $248 at shopbop.com, Alexander Wang Shirt Dress with Draped Skirt, $395 at shopbop.com, Preen Peplette Technical Crepe Dress, $1,160 at net-a-porter.com: This LaROK dress would be so perfect with a thick belt, and it has this adorable zipper detail at the back. For a more tailored version, this Alexander Wang dress is perfect because the asymmetry is really subtle. This Preen dress is so girly and adorable, and that skirt looks like it would move so well. If only it was more than a thousand dollars...le sigh...