Bohemian meets classy this season as the paisley pattern pops up in a multitude of collections this year. The paisley pattern is a variation of ornate swirled teardrops. It has an Iranian origin, and is often seen in Persian and Indian clothing and decoration. Although its origins are in the East, the western name “Paisley” comes from a town in Scotland that has the same name renowned for the weaving industry in the 19th century. Many associate the paisley pattern in the West with the 1960’s, a Beatle era, bohemian vibe. But today, designers are focusing on a more structured, classic theme. Erdem, the Canadian born British-Turkish fashion designer known for eclectic designs, crafted a sensational black paisley lace dress with boat neck collar, and scalloped edging. American fashion house Ralph Lauren created a multi-colour vibrant silk paisley dress with long sleeves and above-the-knee cut. Israeli American designer YigalAzrouelhas a form-fitting blue and white tailored high neckline paisley dress with slit cap sleeves. However, it was the Italians this season who have really taken up the trend. Italian luxury fashion house, Piazza Sempione, designed a pixilated navy paisley pattern on a v-neck white sheath dress. While another Italian fashion house, Etro, famous for contrasting patterns and vibrant colours, has a multitude of paisley pieces in their collection: a cowl neck paisley dress, a neon green and purple paisley pencil skirt, a silk paisley poncho, and even blue paisley trousers. The starlets are wading into this trend. American actress and model Jaime King wore a gorgeous GiambattistaValli white and red paisley peplum dress for a recent night out. She paired with a chunky bracelet, brown crocodile clutch and minimal gold, heeled sandals. Ashley Greene, most well known for her Cullen family role in the Twilight movies, wore an orange version of the YigalAzrouel paisley dress and paired with nude pumps and minimal jewelry. Whereas Cameron Diaz took the look a bit more edgy, wearing a Rag & Bone blue paisley mini dress with navy ankle booties and swept up hair. The best way to wear paisley this season is to try and keep the look classic, while staying away from the bohemian vibe. So it’s best to keep the paisley pattern in silks or lace fabrics. Additionally, try to stay away from multi-coloured pieces, keeping the pattern to two colours. That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way.
