Vogue just posted this article, “The Latex Look Is All Over the Runways. Will It Sell.” Beyond her excellent assessment, writer Madeleine Schulz sites some sure examples of latex wearing seen at recent Fashion Weeks…off the runway. From Connor Storrie at a recent Saint Laurent runway showing in Paris wearing knee-high latex sock boots (as we told you about here) to Rosalìa wearing a bespoke latex tutu in New York City as mere few days later. And then yes, there have been so many latex couture reveals down runways and at fashion events.
So, why the question: will the very popular textile, which also happens to be the one we love so much (and make our money from) sell?
Specifically, with what was seen on runways this year, Schiaparelli sent models out wearing sea creature-inspired latex jackets with inflatable tentacles, silicone bustiers and fish scales. Loewe featured 3D printed latex slip dresses and zip front coats. Jean Paul Gaultier showed off thermoplastic polyurethane (or TPU) torsos coated in latex. And Rick Owens’ models braved the heat wearing see-thru piped latex tanks and thick latex capes.
What’s also helping latex in its current trending, factors true for quite a few years now, is that designers and stylists are introducing lots of colors beyond the basic black to latex outfits, latex outerwear has seen an uptick in popularity—the aforementioned latex cape, trenches, and biker jackets—as well as what we have all known for ever so long, wearing latex underwear-as-outerwear has become so popular.
All this and more we feel answers Madeleine’s questions…yes, beyond the runways, latex will surely sell. We latex designers have been in business for a while now enjoying the growing popularity of our brands, built on latex fashions. True, it took a bit for the major Fashion Weeks to catch up, but we are so happy now that they have.
Don’t worry Vogue; we’re not.
