Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Fifty Shading of Fashion

First there was the book. You know the one. Next came rumours of a lingerie line inspired by the book. Then we heard that sales of men's ties had increased - along with calls to 911 for handcuff-related emergencies. (Oh, you crazy Brits.)

Now it seems the Fifty Shades of Grey effect has crept beyond the foyer and is standing squarely in the house of fashion and pop culture.  Leather - always a major look for fall - is popping up in more intimate, bondage-inspired scenarios.  Buckle your seat belts, Mom and Dad.  Bondage fashion has gone mainstream.

The Broadway sensation, Venus in Fur, pre-empted Fifty Shades by a year, but its current run at Canadian Stage is right on trend.  The main character, Vanda Jordan, breaks out her best leather corset, stockings, thigh high boots, along with some fabulous acting, to nail the role of a lifetime.  (Aside: this is one of the most captivating plays I've ever seen. The Toronto production is fantastic, but only on through October 27.)


photo by David Hou | courtesy Canadian Stage

Madonna shows up in the October issue of Harper's Bazaar sporting gilded glamour and little else.  The spread - no pun intended - is shot by shock fashion photographer Terry Richardson.  Of course, it's one thing for the Queen of Pop to get away with leather and chains, but when major designers weave a bit of bondage into their spring 2014 collections, well, I am officially calling it a trend.  

Will Canadian designers will follow suit?  Stay tuned to World MasterCard Fashion Week to find out!

Madonna in Harper's Bazaar

photo Harper's Bazaar

Versace spring 2014 | photo by Yannis Viamos | Style.com

Alexander McQueen spring 2014 | photo by Marcus Tondo| Style.com

Libertine spring 2014 | photo by Umberto Fratini | Style.com

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