Total texture dominated the carpet at the Emmy Awards. Be it metallics, florals, ruffles, sequins, or pleats, fabrics were layered, stitched, and cinched to create deep, textural tones and ignite visual intrigue. Each textural gown delivered something unique, like January Jones's metallic blue Versace, Heidi Klum's black Marchesa, and Emily Deschanel's purple tiered wonder. Enter to get a closer look at the textured accents that wowed us.
I've been a little wary of texturizing sprays ever since a junior high run-in with a "beach curls" product that left my hair tragically oily and flat just hours before a dance. But now my faith has been restored by A Beautiful Life Pre Game Texturizing Spray ($22), which uses natural ingredients to deliver big, coconut-scented waves and plenty of volume. I have very fine hair with an open wave, so most curl-enhancing products fail on me because they make my hair too heavy. Not this stuff, though; I can imagine it being good for girls with fine hair of any texture, because it separates without weighing down. My only caveat is that it can make your hair too big and frizzy if you over-scrunch — I initially came out looking about as poofed up as a poodle. All in all, though, an extremely effective and eco-concious way to get sweet mermaid hair.
When choosing your makeup look du jour, do you think about how to best combine the differences in textures, or do you only really think about color? Here's a look from the 2008 Fall runways, that pairs a powder bronzer with a matte lip and subtle dewy eyes. How important is the texture vs. the color of your makeup when you're planning out your look?
When you think of summer a common visual that comes to mind is the beach. Within this geographical point of reference are pebbles, waves, seaweed, driftwood, and tall wind blown grass. In other words, a dynamic combination of natural textures. With that in mind, it's possible that what we see on the runway pays homage to those organic shapes and patterns (without necessarily being the primary inspiration). Here's our roundup of interesting texture for S/S 08, those which especially remind us of summer's natural landscape.
More: Complete collections from Three As Four, Aurello Costarella, Brian Reyes, and J Mendel
The future is upon us. Fabric innovations have brought fresh and interesting textures to the runways. Upon the streamlined shapes of Fall, these complex and high-tech fabrics, like heat-fused wool-and-silk blends, glazed mohair knits, full on plumage, and glossy treatments, outshined some of the silhouettes (and the models!). Here at Giles, get lost in the new textures - ladies, it's time to texturize it.
Check out all my Fall 2007 coverage here!
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