Calling someone’s style transparent used to be an insult, this season though it might just be taken as a compliment.
That’s because the trend of transparency, in the form of see-through layers, sheer fabrics, frosted glass, clear pvc and lucite will be making waves in the world of fashion and home design for Spring 2008.
Unlike the fashion “see-through” trends of days gone by (think Madonna circa 1990), today’s transparencies are not about being overtly sensual, but instead about adding a layer of mystery to an already interesting ensemble. A sheer top layer can be a viewed as either a peek at what lays beneath or a thin shield from what lays ahead. It all depends on the attitude of the wearer.
Marc Jacob’s infamous sheer plastic dressed nurses first appeared on the catwalk in Paris and then later reappeared at the Guggenheim Museum for the launch of Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with artist Richard Prince. .
At Jil Sanders designer Raf Simone enveloped a bevy of his runway models in a cocoon-like poncho made of sheer organza.
Prada, always sure to surprise, showcased a collection of sheer chiffon pieces covered in whimsical drawings and finished with bold piping.
While Adidas by Stella McCartney showed that a transparent silhouette isn’t just a high fashion statement but can add an interesting layer to the way we dress in everyday life.
A translucent glow seemed to come across the faces at both Givency’s Fall 2007 show and Zac Posen’s Spring 2008 runway showing. Style.com takes a backstage look at why the designers decided to forgo color for sheer textures.
House Beautiful named this Umbra clock as one of the most exciting products in their January issue. The clock which measures 2 feet wide is made of frosted glass and in their words “fogs the Victorian style hands and conjures up the mist of time”.
Elle Decor’s “What’s Hot” for Jan/Feb 2008, features these clear plastic side tables from White Webb inspired by Chinese garden stools and Indian architecture.
Metropolitan Home was so inspired by the sheer and cut-out trend in today’s newest home fabrics- it featured them on their Jan/Feb 2008 cover.
Bringing the trend home
White shoes tend to get a bad rap, but how can you not love any pair of Christian Louboutins! The peep-toes are very “of the moment”…. I can just image how sexy the sheer shoe would look on the right foot.
The lucite- inspired Micheal Kors sandals are to me the perfect choice for a tropical getaway- they’re super chic , could be worn from poolside to party and would absolutely “go” with everything you packed.
Everything feels retro about Tom Ford’s Chase sunglasses from their vintage shape to their cool black and white illustrated ad. You would definitely be channeling old Hollywood glamour when wearing these- a time when lucite first came into fashion.
Phillip Stark designed the Louis Ghost chair for Kartell in 2002 and it became an instant classic. Loved by designers and hip homeowners alike, it’s the perfect piece to update any decor.
My friends and family are probably ready to shake me and say “enough zebra motifs in your house, already!”, but I’m obsessed. When I saw these Zebra print burnout sheers in the new West Elm catalog it was love at first sight!
If you want to add a little boost to your hair color without fear of roots, Clairol’s Natural Instinct’s “Shine Happy” promises to add a clear sheen of coverage to give your hair super shine… my stylist told me it may also help blend in those pesky little grays.
Fellow Color Maven Picks (I just had to ask)
Kimberlin Brown spotted this Marina and Sussana Sent’s Bubble Necklace at a recent visit to the MoMA and thinks the translucent piece would look great paired with one of Spring’s super bright colors.
Kate Smith said she’s been dying to try Ralph Lauren’s Candlelight top coat. Said to cast a warm “candlelight effect” over your walls- she thinks this translucent treatment would work wonders in a dining room.
April Clark, my handbag connection and world traveler extraordinaire, brought this little Chanel gem to my attention…. sure we might not be able to afford to purchase it, but maybe we might be able to split the rent on it for a month at Bag, Borrow and Steal.
Found a great way to bring “sheer style” into your life?… Let me know. 
It’s eerie how spot on you are with trends. I just received the new issue of Interview magazine and there’s a 2 page spread on “translucent” clothing.
I love how your article shows clothing, housewares, shoes, etc. I really want the paint and the hair dye.
Wow, that sheer zebra curtain is very chic! I love everything at West Elm!
Great post. I love the gauzy nature of the transparent garments this time around. No faux fishnet tops this time
And, naturally, Lucite chairs always do it for me. Ever glamorous.
What I don’t care for are the clear handbags. It reminds me of working retail as a teenager and having to have your purse inspected prior to leaving the store. My handbag is my last bastion of privacy it seems. So unless the clear bag simply held a better, more fabulous leather bag, I’d have to pass
Lovely post. I love how you tied fashion, culture and interior design together. Fabulous.
Franki… it seems as if “great minds” think alike. Check out the latest from Marc Jacob’s Spring 2008 line… now that’s what I call a stylish solution!
Hey girlie,
I know this trend is one that you found in fashion, home and cosmetic design, but I wanted to mention one other place I have heard the word transparency a lot lately – politics. Everybody is talking about how the government should be more transparent in their foreign and domestic dealings. Do you think there could be a connection? Just a thought.
Anyway, love the zebra print sheers and the bubble necklace.
What an insightful comment and to answer your question — I say a resounding “Absolutely!”
Transparency is a currently a hot issue in the political arena but even before these recent conversations the skepticism over integrity and honesty in many areas including the corporate world and charitable sector prompted the demand for transparency.
We no longer would “blindly” trust the organizations and the people we put our trust in as shareholders, donors, patients, parents, employees, etc. We wanted to be able to see what was going on behind the scenes so to speak and demanded transparency.
With so much talk about and desire for transparency it was only natural that it found its way onto the runway and into the home. Not that this was the only influence but it certainly played a role.
Great job of spotting the trend behind the trend, Pat!
I absolutely loved your story Julie!! I also enjoyed reading the comments and seeing the many “layers” unfold. Very interesting.
Hello to all…. thanks for all the great, insightful comments… It seems as if this is going to be a trend that is sure to provoke many opinions… it’s going to be fun to watch!
Just an FYI – I recently tried the clear coat Clairol and got compliments IMMEDIATELY. No one could figure out what I did…but they commented on shiny, (and suddenly bouncy) hair. Not an easy task in a fashion office.
Thanks for spotting the trend !
Okay April you’ve sold me now. I’ll be running out to by Clairol clear coat this weekend! ~Kate