Leather luxe: Faux leather is riding a big wave of popularity

This season faux leather is striking some haute new deals. Altuzarra’s leather grids on a sheath dress at New York Fashion Week 2014 was definitely a bold attempt at reshaping leather’s style story. Balmain’s black quilted leather skirt, Helmut Lung’s all leather off-shoulder crop top matched with side slit pencil skirt were scene-stealers. A fantastic display of intricate cutwork on leather in the form of Gucci's A-line skirt suits and shirt dresses in white, olive and toffee colour with gold marine buttons were drool-worthy.

Also commanding applause were Versace’s semi-circle cutwork on A-line shift dresses and Dolce and Gabbana’s embellished leather skirts paired with lace tops. Fendi went for checkered bomber jackets combined with polka dotted straight skirts  the play of colours being the USP. And Cavalli offered a monochrome textured leather show of cropped jackets and pleated skirts, where even the accessories followed the hide route.

“It has an undeniable luxe factor,” says designer Sujata Ahuja, adding, “At the moment the faux hide story is best told the fusion way. Highlight the contrast factor by creating space for other fabrics against the goodness of leather. Natural and smooth leathers in vibrant colours and metallic touches are a fun way to incorporate this material in your all year round fashion. A leather vest or a crop top is ideal to team up with flowy skirts in soft silk or shorts. A maxi dress in Aztec print and pretty florals when paired with a classic leather jacket exudes a timeless charm,” she adds.

Whereas, designer Chhaya Mehrotra feels the material is strong enough to exude style on its own strength. “Texturing makes a huge difference while maintaining the subtle elegance of leather. Crocodile prints and python patterns are your best bet in printed and textured format. You may have taillored something as basic as a trench coat dress out of leather, but once you introduce metal finishing effects or go glossy or matte, the extra glam is guaranteed.”

The designer adds, “The use of leather not just as a material but also as an embellishment is highly recommended. That brings to mind, Ralph Lauren’s nude dress with a  leather woven backline and sleeves created for S/S 15 quite a scene-stealer actually. Fringes are still in fashion and they look good on a leather hemline.” “Instead of going the complete leather way, a dash of hide can also make a good enough impact. Opt for leather sleeves on a loosely knitted top, a glimpse of the textile on contrast panels and pockets can create the required impact,” suggests designer Sanjay Lalwani.