Ruling the fall-winter runway this year is suede a fabric with the finesse of faux leather
Model display various innovations of suede for fall-winter, ensembles by Pankaj and Nidhi
A collective penchant for suede is being displayed on the runways in fall-winter 2014. Designer Jason Wu is calling out from New York with structured dresses and short sleeve blouses in suede, while Frida Giannini of Gucci has chosen this fabric for wide leg trousers, asymmetrical skirts and kimono tops. There’s also Derek Lam’s belted suede skirts, and other upmarket brands like Michael Kors, Altuzarra and Jill Stuart have all tailored an exclusive suede story.
Designers believe the attention to suede in F/W is well deserved. After all, few fabrics match its dual charm — the finesse of faux leather and the luxe feel of velvet.“Suede is all about sophistication — a certain suppleness and a grown up approach to style. It falls beautifully, feels great against the body and can be used for more than boots and jackets. All a designer needs to do is exercise the imagination,” says designer Ritu Pande while highlighting its best aspects.
She’s counting on its utility value as well, “It is a fantastic option for fall-winter — providing warmth minus the unflattering bulk of wool.”Suggesting two elegant and chic looks with the fabric, Ritu says, “Two of my favourite ways to use suede would be to use a medium weight, soft suede in tones of steel gray for an updated version of a classic wrap dress from the fifties and sixties. The buttons would be in a contrasting tone of burgundy or red making it a perfect fall evening wear.
The second one is a classic skater skirt which has been a staple on the fall-winter runway for the past couple of seasons and it still works beautifully for this silhouette. It would look amazing in a rich berry shade. While I am in favour of a complete suede show, those of you who are in the mood for a limited version can go for multi-coloured patches on a leather bomber jacket or a military style coat which is again a haute fall-winter trend.”
Designer Swapnil Shinde considers it an essential winter fabric, well suited for regions with mild winters. “Ideally it works best for separates like waistcoats, trench coats, over-shirts but of late, a huge trend is to use it as evening dresses,” he informs. For suede’s cocktail dress version, Swapnil prefers to team it up with sheer instead of going solo. “Suede is a dense fabric and the softness of chiffon or georgette add a beautiful balance to the attire. Colours like mint and deep amethyst compliment a suede cocktail dress or gown.”
Designer Megha Garg wants to go bohemian with suede and she finds it perfect for a fringe highlight. “A knee-length straight cut skirt with long fringes looks best suited for a fun and stylish day look. For more options in suede, pick a loosely structured midi dress with flappers in front. A wraparound jacket with a belt or an A-line skirt are good investments,” she suggests.
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