Fall 2011 Trend: Feathered Friends
Photos: Imaxtree
Feathered looks from the Monique Lhuillier, Yves Saint Laurent, and Yigal Azrouël Fall 2011 collections
It’s no secret that most designers had fur on the brain for Fall 2011, using it in every color and placement imaginable. But when it was time to lighten up a bit (not everyone’s winter is sub-zero, after all), there’s only one substitute: ostrich feathers.
Every bit as luxe and versatile as fur, ostrich feathers turned up on coats, dresses, trimmings and more this season, lending a touch of whimsy and a whole lot of glam.
This trend might have the most legs (pun intended) in evening-worthy minidresses, like the feather duster-inspired taupe one at Jason Wu and Naeem Khan’s take, which channeled a very chic Cruella in black and white.
Of course, it doesn’t get much more glamorous than the light-as-air white feathered coat Freja Beha Erichsen wore to close the Yves Saint Laurent show or Yigal Azrouël’s black column gown, trimmed with feathers at the neck. (The skintight sheer Ungaro mini edged in feathers from the neck down the arm was a bit more adventurous.)
Matthew Williamson went more casual, trimming a gray skirt in a zig-zagging row of the feathery fringe. Monique Lhuillier’s feather-trimmed blazer and Jenni Kayne’s ostrich feather mini, peeking out from underneath a tailored black blazer, were also perfect cocktail party choices.
So while furs may still reign for Fall, these feathery creations are sure to give them a run for their money...and indulge your flights of fancy.
