FASHION FALL-WINTER 08/09
LEATHER DRAINPIPES
As rock'n'roll as you can get...
Will leather drainpipes be stealing the spotlight from the leggings we've favored in the last few years? Like an elegantly accessorized second skin, the leather drainpipe is fast becoming a winter wardrobe must-have. By Sophie Demarcq.
Skinny leather drainpipes: as rock'n'roll as you can get... With summer over, denim shorts and bohemian blouses are being traded in for an edgier silhouette - rock'n'roll meets futurama - in the form of the 'tregging' (a hybrid trouser and legging). This look, borrowed from 80s rock stars like Iggy Pop, Billy Idol and Patti Smith, is at the heart of new collections from designers such as Givenchy, Balmain, Aider Ackerman, Rick Owens, Barbara Bui and of course Jean-Claude Jitrois, father of the Stretch Leather jeans. Whether made in matte leather or with vinyl-esque shine, these pants are a truly minimal second skin, and don't leave room for style errors - the less bold among us can opt for matte leather in a fitted jean cut. So how does one wear leather drainpipes this winter? Let's take a look at the season's looks starting with the leather drainpipe, a trend to be personalized but definitely not passed by. Take note of the fashion icons who have already adopted it - top British model Agyness Deyn, blonde, androgynous with an uber-glamorous rock attitude, wears hers with a men's shirt, tuxedo jacket and sneakers. Kate Moss, naturally elegant, wears her evening leather as day leather in patent heels and an 80s style vintage top. As for Amy Winehouse, a simple turtleneck and ballet flats accompany her ankle-grazers for a very Sixties look. Day to night treggings... While leather drainpipes are making a comeback, it is inadvisable to totally embrace the punk revival and accessorize with cowboy boots or Doc Martens. Know when to stop! A pretty pair of Pierre Hardy's metallic leather sneakers or white Converse, however, are a given for strolling the streets of the capital or for shopping trips. In the evening, to have a drink with friends at the Beatrice, change hardly anything: put on a pair of patent heels to give yourself a little lift and create an elongated silhouette. For fashionistas and the très chic, leather treggings are always worn with heels, either patent courts or platform boots. Slip on a white shirt and tuxedo jacket to give a feminine edge to this rebellious rock look, a far cry from the diktats of the Factory in the 70s or Iron Maiden-style hard rock!
Discover the best pieces to help you on your way to rock chic:
