BANGKOK FABULOUS – Fashion’s micro trends are the best way to look like you’re in the know about what the fashion crowd are up to, but without looking like you’ve just stepped out of a fashion shoot. Let’s face it, if a fashion shoot looks fabulous on the pages of a glossy mag, you can be sure it will look ridiculous in real life.
So the micro trend is our friend. It’s a little accessory or look that a few select designers championed, or that has sprung up from street fashion. It’s a little nod to the fact we update our wardrobes periodically and are really very cool and observant.
But micro trends are notoriously fleeting, which is why we’ve compiled this quick guide to what to ditch and what to embrace for the next few weeks until fashionistas get all bored and decide everything they wore last month is now cripplingly uncool.
Ditch: Animal motifs
When Burberry showcased animal motif jumpers and tees, the world suddenly went mad for animal print tops. Bangkok was already on the case with markets stuffed with lion print t-shirts, owl bangles and panda accessories. In fact, sometimes you’re hard-pushed to find something to wear that’s not emblazoned with an animal face. But, alas, the moment has passed. Despite the fact we still love our bunny print jumper, it’s time to bid it farewell and bring it back out again when it’s been long enough that we can wear it in an ironically cool way.
Replace with: Hats with Ears
Ok, so they haven’t made an appearance on the catwalk, but quite frankly that’s an oversight of the designers. These little bowler hats with pointy ears are fast becoming a top street fashion trend in Bangkok. They’re adorable enough that wearing one should help ease the pain of animal motifs being too popular to be cool anymore. But be quick, as soon as you start to see more than one person in a day sporting one, the look’s probably over.
Ditch: Spider web jelly shoes
These market-stall favourites are cheap and pretty enough but, practically speaking, are terrible. Sweaty feet and jelly shoes do not a pleasant combo make.
Replace with: Socks
Okay, so socks aren’t much better in tropical climes, but they look so much more on-trend and that’s the main thing. Beauty is pain (or sweat), am I right? Actually, this is a little more than a micro trend as it’s been around for a while – thigh-high socks with heels and filled ankle socks worn with strappy sandals, for example. However, the trend has now gained momentum, and even the boys are doing it. Yep, everyone from Dries Van Noten to Acne to Tom Ford is hitching up their trouser leg and exposing a little sock. Go on, boys – show us your socks.
—
Bangkok Fabulous: Where Gaby Doman explores fashion and beauty in the Big Mango. If it’s hot, it’s here. And it’s hot in here.
