It seems that since time began women have utilized their style to enhance their lives. Every girl has that special dress which makes her feel almost goddess like or a pair of shoes that expresses her take on the world. Most of us wear our hearts on our sleeve literally except for an actual heart it’s a Hermes cuff to die for that simply screams ‘I love luxury!’ …Or something to that degree.
We study each other’s garments because they immediately give the voyeur an idea of the wearer’s personality. The evolution of fashion can span the beginning of time; every era is marked with a new garment that represents women’s place in society and how the world sees them. Which is why it is so interesting that high shoulders have really made an impact, not only on the catwalks they graced last season but also amongst the glitterati and now the high street. What was once considered an eighties faux pas is now a super hot trend being rocked by fashion forward celebrities such as Mary Kate and Sienna Millar, but the female who is really exploiting the fierce acoustics of a sculptural shoulder is most notably Rihanna.
Since the shockingly devastating news of her attack by Chris Brown hit the headlines (along with that horrific picture) she has changed her image to represent an almost untouchable aura. Visor sunglasses, a modern take on a punk esque Mohican, blood red lips and various new tattoos are her signature along with fetish like jewelry, bandage dresses and theatrical sharp shoulders. Taking a leaf out of Daphne Guinness’s book the girl knows how to wear fashion armor.
The surge in futuristic almost costume themed fashion can be seen in any magazine or fashion site worth its salt - even December’s British Vogue, the lifestyle bible known for its ‘safe’ shoots unlike its Italian and French counterparts, features a surreal shoot shot by photographer Emma Summerton in which pale faced ice blonde models adorn interesting horn like headpieces created by designer Noel Stewart.
The trend for tiny waists and HUGE shoulders was seen at Mark Fast, Chanel, Jean Paul Gautier, Alexander McQueen and Maison Martin Margiela to name a few; it is the perfect garment to wear when one wants to be fierce. Fashion armor is back and this time it’s sleeker, sharper and more feminine than its 80’s equivalent. Think Lady Gaga rather than Lady Di and make sure you team the shoulders with a gorg studded leather or python belt to cinch you in.
Like Rihanna it’s the perfect trend to wear when you want to keep the world at an arms length but also on tender hooks whilst they worship you. This trend has to be worn with an air of ‘I’m shit hot’ otherwise fellow fashionista’s wont take you seriously and will think you are simply wearing the latest Topshop. Be ice cool, let the shoulders become you, breathe deep and repeat, ‘I am fierce, I am fierce.’
Here are the high streets offerings:
Soft: £28 ASOS Lace Puff Sleeve Top / Everyday: £40 TOPSHOP Knitted Pleat Dress
Bargain High Fashion: £45 ASOS Purple Satin Top / Splurge: £120 Paul & Joes Sister Rabbit Top
