By guest writer Rex Hechter
Beyoncé and Kit Connor in Loewe. Kim Kardashian in Dolce and Gabbana. Julia Fox in Diesel. Metallic-wear is back and is paving the way for a new era of fashion.
In the past few years, streetwear and runway collections have drawn from former pinnacle eras of fashion—the 80s, 90s, and especially now, the 2000s. Designers attempt to circulate these trends via their runway collections, and have successfully reintroduced metallic apparel into the ready-to-wear realm.
DIESEL
Diesel recently made its comeback from its former 90s streetwear with the 1DR collection. Their iconic logo stretches the length of cropped t-shirts, belts, and most notably their handbags. First spotted at Milan Fashion Week, the 1DR has become the it girl bag of the year. The 1DR has been spotted on Megan Thee Stallion, Julia Fox, and Miley Cyrus, and recently was the subject of a viral TikTok trend. For SS 24’, Diesel introduced a runway show featuring eccentric metallic face paint similar to that of the Rick Owens show in FW15’. The main attraction across most social media platforms was Alex Consani strutting down the runway in a full face of silver makeup, a silver bodysuit, and silver pants. Many other models were featured in this metallic look in FW22 but in gold, blue, pink, and orange. In a brief interview, Alex mentioned that she was “manifesting that [the metallic paint] comes off” as she anticipated having other plans later that night. Not to brag, but I did see her in the street, and yes, she is just as fabulous in person.
Alex Consani for Diesel SS24
I recommend surfing Diesel’s website for a look at the collection, especially their Oval D tank without the silver plate as it comes at a much more discounted price. They recently had a 25% sale on select FW23 pieces, so be on the lookout for another sale. I took it upon myself to purchase the all silver version of the Oval D belt, which has now become a staple in my wardrobe (and a constant reminder of the dent in my bank account).
I predict that Diesel will continue to lean into their 1DR and Oval D collection, as it has been a main proprietor to their reclaim to fame in mainstream fashion.
LOEWE
Loewe, recently dubbed the number one brand since being taken over by creative director Jonathan Anderson, has also provided captivating metallic looks for their SS24 runway. My favorite looks of the collection featured reflective glitter high-waisted pants paired with a matching button down. Although these pieces have yet to be released for purchase, they have been seen on Omar Apollo (on tour) and Kit Connor, who is frequently seen dressed in Loewe. Another gorgeous piece from this collection mimics Loewe’s handbag craftsmanship displayed through a reflective silver top. The glittery pants were seen on the runway in black (my personal favorite), navy, and light blue. With Loewe’s notoriously high price points, these pieces are a far less practical purchase.
Loewe, too, crafted multiple of Beyoncé’s most iconic outfits on the Renaissance tour. One of the most emblematic outfits featured was the silver chrome printed bra with Swarovski crystals and matching cargo pants. The outfit, made in collaboration with Shiona Turini, blends futuristic fashion with disco. It definitely provided inspiration for fans to dress up in Renaissance theme while Beyoncé continued her tour and will likely inspire many going-out outfits in the coming months.
Aside from Loewe, Beyoncé was also seen on tour in a mirror-like outfit created by Courréges, a Balenciaga custom 8,000 piece rhinestone dress, a silver Mugler bodysuit, and a statement look by Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini with matching silver boots.
Beyoncé in Swarovski crystals
ADIDAS WALES BONNER
Adidas and Wales Bonner recently did a collaboration where they released some incredible silver sambas and a matching tracksuit. The sambas are similar to that of previous Wales Bonner Adidas shoes, with an oversized tongue that folds over the laces. These sambas are incredibly reflective and shiny, and sold out on the Adidas website incredibly fast. Their resale value almost tripled on GOAT and StockX. The silver shorts and top are worth a look but definitely not the purchase, IMO.
Adidas Wales Bonner
MAKING METALLIC-WEAR ACCESSIBLE AGAIN
Fast fashion brands were quick to replicate this new wave of style—especially Zara. I personally think Zara did a great job emulating some of the “disco” style outfits that we have been seeing on recent runways at an affordable price. However, there are a handful of pieces that look like someone took silver spray paint and just, like, went for it, but after sifting through the site, I found some notable metallic-wear. Some of the better options on their website include the Foil Slip Dress, Metallic Poplin Top, Metallic Jeans, and Wide Leg Metallic Pants.
For menswear, I recommend taking a trip to Jaded London’s website. They have some mens, womens, and unisex pieces that might be a great addition to a sparkly wardrobe. Zara’s pieces can be unisex as well.
I hope to see more metallic fashion enter the runway post fashion week. Given that trends continue to recirculate, I am unsure of how long this style will stay relevant. Nonetheless (for the time being) stay shiney and don’t be afraid to channel disco ball now and again!
Signing off!
@rexhechter
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