Harper's Bazaar - A Fling with Ruffles

Harper's Bazaar en Español

May 2013 Issue


If runways trends and fashion editorials are anything to go by, (and they usually are), ruffles are going to be hugely in vogue this season. Photographer Benjamin Kanarek captures new top model Sasha Luss in an alluring editorial for the Latin American version of Harper's Bazaar magazine. The Russian beauty takes center stage in an array of frilly designer wear, persuading even the toughest critiques of this theatrical trend.

This is possibly one of the most beautiful and cinematic studio shots I have seen so far this year. Sasha is spellbinding in a flamboyant scarlet red ensemble by British designer Gareth Pugh. Her flowering tier-ruffled flamenco skirt encircles a pair of chicly tailored trousers and is accompanied by a high-neck top with frilled bell sleeves.

Marni brings us the more toned down version of the ruffled trend in a midnight blue low-neck peplum dress with flaired skirt.

Retro meets ruffles in a cafe-au-lait shaded sheath dress by Marc Jacobs, the neckline is fitted with a cream frilled button-up bib.

Sasha strikes a pose in a two-tone asymmetrical black and metallic grey dress by Lanvin, with a sophisticated set of ruffles placed strategically on the shoulder and back.

Balenciaga are always at the forefront of innovation, mastering the art of architectural folds and flounces in this arresting black and pink dress with 3-dimensional peplum waist. 

Gucci serves up the ruffled trend in XXL for Spring 2013. Sasha models a cobalt blue pants suit with high-neck tunic featuring oversized ruffled sleeves.  

Sharp tailoring at Saint Laurent is perfectly contrasted with the frivolity of ruffles, in this white silk frilled shirt, worn under a slick black tuxedo.

With frills, come romance, as seen on the Spring 2013 runway of Italian designer Francesco Scognamiglio. He presents an ethereal ice blue diaphanous gown, gently caressed by soft ruffles lined along the sleeves, bodice and skirt.

Are you in favor of the Ruffled Trend, is this something you would wear?

That Dior Dress

I didn't think much of this Christian Dior dress when I first saw it on the runway, other than it reminded me of a sweet wrapper. However, as the months go by, I am beginning to see more and more of it on the red carpet and in magazine editorials all around the globe. This multi-shaded striped organza dress is fast becoming one of the most photographed looks from Dior's Spring 2013 collection. Let's observe the rise-and-rise of that Dior dress.

On the Dior SS13 runway, Kasia Struss modeled the candy coloured
dress that strongly influenced editors and celebrities everywhere. 

The diaphanous dress has already been photographed three times on the red carpet.
Left: Model Lee Hyun Yi wore the look to an event in Seoul, South Korea.
Center: Australian actress Isabel Lucas donned the youthful dress to a Sydney store opening.
Right: American socialite Lisa Marie Falcone wore the Dior dress just this week in New York City. I have to admit this dress looks far better in editorial than it does in 'real-life'.

Left: Dutch model Daphne Groeneveld is enveloped in a colorful swirl of organza for the cover of Harper's Bazaar España April 2013. Right: Rose Smith is given a sportier styling in Vogue Australia, with inner black tank top and wrist bands.

Left: Amanda Seyfried graces the April 2013 cover of Tatler Russia, accessorized with bold green earrings and a multi-coloured necklace. Right: Valerija Kelava gives new meaning to the term 'urban' glamour for Antidote Magazine's Street Issue.

Left: Natalia Vodianova displays the pink bandeau side strap thats holds this gauzy dress together. A rose-shaded neck-tie and soft makeup add to the romance of her styling.
Right: Vanessa Hudgens, on the other end of the spectrum, is given a spikey punk rock hairstyle and plastered with heavy makeup.

Left: Irish actress Saoirse Ronan adds vivid colour to a dusky forest scene for Instyle Magazine. Right: Singer Kelly Chen covers Marie Claire Hong Kong's April 2013 issue in the fluorescent dress. The lighting in this photo makes the shades look somewhat darker.  

Elle Fanning gives a playful edge to the dress, blending into the plastic background for New York Magazine. In this case, it really does look like a candy wrapper.

Left: Russian model Vlada Roslyakova makes a bright splash on the cover of Marie Claire Korea's March 2013 edition. Right: Nico O is dressed up in the famous frock with asymmetrical hemline for a fashion page in Marie Claire UK March 2013. I think her metallic strap heels are a pivotal part of what makes this look work here.

Clearly a fashion editor favourite, do you think this Dior dress deserves all the hype or not?