This spring/summer, see-through accessories are all the rage. We’re not talking, “I accidentally wore white in a rainstorm” kind of see-through, nor Patpong-esque see-through. Believe it or not, clear bags and shoes are a thing. And not just a lady of the night thing, either.
As with every tricky trend that comes into style, it’s best to either embrace this one or ignore it. Let’s face it: buying a pair of towering Perspex stilettos you found on a Nana street corner isn’t going to scream “style.”
If you think the see-through accessories bandwagon is one you’d like to ride, the good news is that there is no shortage of designers offering surprisingly covetable see-through goodies. The trend is being referred to as “pivichic,” after a term coined by Christian Louboutin. Don’t pretend you don’t love that phrase.
Bangkok Fabulous’ personal favorite pivichic purchases are the gem-like clear box clutches seen at Burberry and Gucci (if you really want to go the whole hog, Burberry even showcased clear trenches for spring/ summer). But before you get beautiful accessory blindness and part with half your salary, bear in mind that a see-through clutch means that you can never carry anything remotely private again. That’s right, ladies, as if teeny tiny clutches weren’t impractical enough, now you’ll have to leave those tampons, condoms and ratty old lip balms at home. Instead, replace them with your keys, a brand new lippy and your credit card and pretend that it doesn’t freak you out to leave the house without a bag stuffed full of everything you own.
If it’s only the tininess of the bag that bothers you, then Fendi has a see-through bag that you can fit more than a lipstick in. Stella McCartney has a clear yellow sports-luxe handbag with gold mock-snake detailing that’s big enough to take to work.
If you’re less inclined to reveal the secret goings on inside your handbag (let’s face it, the state of your handbag often represents the state of your mind), then shoes might be a more appealing way to go. Steer clear of the stilettos, though. We really can’t stress that enough. Take the lead from Nina Ricci and opt for angular courts with a Perspex heel. Other winners include Marni’s clear wedges, Michael Kors and Chanel’s chic strappy heels and Christian Louboutin’s PVC pumps. Our personal favourites are Givenchy’s multi-material nipple-heel shoes, with wood, gold studs, metal, leather and Perspex, for which we’d sell our firstborn.
Locally, Wonder Anatomie is on a Perspex trip, with a collection of weird and wonderful printed dresses that feature studded Perspex detailing.
Our bottom line for experimenting with see-through? Keep it classy and, whatever you do, keep well clear of Bangkok’s seedier establishments. If you get it right, there’s no reason why you can’t work see-through strappy sandals in the office. And, if you’re not brave enough for that, there are always the clear cuffs at Dior and Chloe for those just wanting to dabble safely in the trend.
