Spring isn’t just about bright, vibrant colors. It’s about textured and raised materials, too. It’s called tapestry! With help from Neiman Marcus, Fort Lauderdale, we’re weaving our way through this terrific trend. It’s something you’d wear to a garden party and tonight, it’s one of Shireen’s favorite things.
When it comes to spring fashions, it’s a season of romance. Think garden party chic.
Ken Downing, stylist to the stars: "I think overt opulence is the sexiest way to look. I’ve always said, ‘more is more and less is a bore,’ minimalism is for amateurs."
I caught up with international stylist, Ken Downing, for his yearly spring runway report at Neiman Marcus, Fort Lauderdale.
Ken Downing: "I love the women here, I love the great style of the people that live here in Florida and the weather is always… superlative."
He took me behind the scenes — where I fell in love with all things tapestry.
Ken Downing: "There’s all sorts of croquet, broquet, re-embrodiery, the idea of dimension and texture which I think is so beautiful."
I first spotted the tapestry trend on actress Reese Witherspoon, in this amazing editorial spread inside Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
Ken Downing: "Anything with a flat surface needs some sort of surface embellishment to it."
Rich tapestries are complimented by plenty o’pleating and fabulous flounces… like this flirty Gucci number.
Ken’s runway looks are a mix of Frida Kahlo meets boho babe.
Ken Downing: "There’s a bit of an eclectic idea and at times almost eccentric. A little kind of off kilter."
Purses and pocketbooks are adorned with tapestries, too. But that’s not all.
Ken Downing: "Lace, lace and more lace. I love the idea of lace because it’s not just for cocktail or evening, lace for day."
For the blog — I tried three dresses: Daytime green and cream lace, blue and yellow with a side of textured tapestry. And an oh-so-flouncy pink, purple and red number.
Ken Downing: "It’s not being perfect head-to-toe, you always want one little thing that’s off… because that’s what personal style really is."
In tapestry and lace, you’re sure to be on trend… and that’s why getting "garden party" ready is one of my favorite things.
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