Walking the lines
Vera Wang’s spring/summer line features red, yellow and blue groupings of the
same billowing dresses. Each flag-like frock is made up of silk slips that, when
layered, both hide and reveal parts of the legs and torso. Vera Wang dress,
price on request through www.verawang.com. Alexis Bittar Lucite necklace, price on request at
retailers across Canada (visit www.alexisbittar.com for
details). Manolo Blahnik heels, $835 at Davids Footwear (www.davidsfootwear.com). Styling by Hazel Ong. Makeup by Robert Weir for
M.A.C/judyinc.com. Hair by Tami El Sombati for
Tresemmé/judyinc.com.
Stripe tease
Nothing emphasizes the see-through aspect of a top or skirt like a fabric
that juxtaposes sheer and opaque bands. The trick is making sure that the solid
elements hit at the right points (and that they overlap strategically across the
hips). Top, approximately $1,300, skirt, approximately $2,800 at Mulberry (www.mulberry.com). Ankle socks, $24 at American
Apparel (www.americanapparel.net).
Manolo Blahnik
heels, $835 at Davids Footwear (www.davidsfootwear.com).
Summer haze
A top layer such as a light coat or beach cover-up is one of the easiest ways
to work the transparency trend. Advanced dressers will mix horizontal, vertical
and angled elements to further fool the eye. Eskander jacket, $2,195 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). L’Agence tank top, $225 at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com). Bikini bottoms, $95 at Calvin
Klein (www.calvinklein.com). Henry
Holland sunglasses, $210 at Secret Location (www.secretlocation.com).
Clear coats
Organza was the go-to textile for many designers looking to play peekaboo
with their collections. Jeremy Laing used it
in a more technical fashion than most, cutting sporty T-shirts, track jackets
and gym shorts from a clear silk. Jeremy Laing jacket and shirt, prices on request through
www.jeremylaing.com. Cosabella bandeau, $62 through www.cosabella.com. Alexander Wang skirt, $595
at TNT Woman (www.tntfashion.ca). Henry
Holland sunglasses, $210 at Secret Location (www.secretlocation.com).
Hide and chic
Embracing sheerness starts with deciding what body part you feel most
comfortable displaying. If shoulders are your strength, Victoria Beckham’s contemporary take on a button-up is a
clear winner. Victoria Beckham
shirt, $1,675 at Holt Renfrew (www.holtrenfrew.com). L’Agence trousers, $340 at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com). Katie Rowland studded talon
earrings, $515, eternity ring, $300 at Secret Location (www.secretlocation.com).