Dear J.S.J.: Wrap yourself in a wrap dress like Edoardo Mantelli's design for Tocca illustrated here. It should be ideal for your figure as the skirt eases over the hips into a gentle fullness, rather than puffing out in the little-girl gathers associated with the petticoated '50s.
Historically, the wrap dress could be traced to the kimono, dating to the Fifth Century. Designer Diane von Furstenberg became famous for her iconic wrap dress, which merited the cover of Newsweek in 1976. She continues to feature many versions as the wrap dress becomes the go-to CEO dress of the year.
Dear H.H.: I agree about man-as-peacock as accounted by Cunningham, but I believe that this is just one of many "revolutions." In Alex Badia's WWD account of new menswear influences, this expert sees the man of tomorrow in the midst of a "Bohemian Rhapsody" of disheveled elegance. The two seemingly contrasting poles are typical of the either/or options in today's fashion.
Dear Marylou: As a design student, I'm trying to track down the latest developments in fabric sustainability. What's the latest eco-worthy news? -- M.N., Staten Island, New York.
Dear M.N.: Invista, one of the world's largest producers of Lycra spandex and other fibers, announced in May that it has developed a new spandex fiber that includes "a renewable source made from dextrose derived from corn that makes up 70 percent of the weight of the fiber." That's the word from Arnaud Tandonnet, Invista Apparel's global sustainability director, who explains that dextrose replaces the polyurethane in the fiber, making it a more sustainable product.
For more background, you might want to check out planetagenda.com, which is dedicated to technologies and materials that minimize the environmental footprint of fabric, and apparelcoalition.org, aka the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
Dear Marylou: What kind of blouse should I wear to dress up my black wool suit? -- E.V., Battle Creek, Michigan.
Dear E.V.: If your suit's neckline allows, forget a blouse and wear your suit with a big bib necklace. Or choose a red satin T-shirt or one printed in whatever motif strikes your fancy. Or tie-on one of your favorite scarfs and wear as a strapless top. Or create a halter top by knotting two scarfs at the back of the neck—the more contrasting the better.
