Summers Sweaty Yet Subtle Leather

(Celine S/S 2010)

Sitting out in the scorching sunshine today, the last thing that crossed my mind was wearing a leather skirt or in fact sweaty, suede trousers. Yet too many this may seem sinful, seeing that the latest summer trend is set to be subtle, leather clothing with a feminine twist – not a ‘biker’ rock chick style jacket in sight.

Ok, so sweating in a supple, skin dress whilst at a family picnic is probably not a good idea and yes a leather dress may seem farfetched to eat homemade sandwiches in. But take a step back from reality and enter the glamorous world of fashion and celebrity after-parties and the look (as if by magic) is growing in appeal already. Wearing leather, is by definition, an over-the-top way to say ‘look at me’ but with iconic status and style. While other fabrics are busy being over fussy, attention seekers – the Chantilly ‘tease me’ lace to the in-your-face table dancing tartans. Leather rolls in to take centre stage with great grace this season (not a clinging cut insight) pulling together even the more unsightly black biker studs and tassels (which may be hanging in the wardrobes of many) to the delicately cut pastel, flower necklaces perfectly on trend (from Topshop at £35.)


(Alexander Wang S/S 2010)

And so, this season leather has once again hit the catwalks and is tugging at all fashion followers’ purse strings. The way to wear it, of course is with Kate Moss finesse – causally laidback with festival edge - layer, leather shorts and oversized khaki jackets. The colour palette ranges from lingerie pastels, rosy hues and golden, peachy yellows from 3.1 Philip Lim to earthy tones of murky green and carpenter tan by Celine and Vera Wang. These are the must have leather tones of today, and the best thing about them is that they will match any skin colour and do a world of good for the complexion.


(3.1 Philip Lim S/S 2010)

The mood is best captured in 3.1 Philip Lims, Spring/Summer 2010 Runway collection as malted-milk coloured leather shirts meet their tea dipping partners in PG Tips tone skirts. The fabric has elegance and class; a feminine beauty that glides across the body, each skin is soft enough to twist like caramel around the hips. Not brave enough to where the matching twinsets, well all hope is not lost. Just as scrummy, creamy ‘must have’ leather bags (a reasonable one at River Island £59.99) will be hitting the shelves, along with perfectly poised criss- cross scandals in heavenly honey shades at Marks and Spencer’s for just £35.



(Marks & Spencers S/S 2010)

Yes, a neutral shade can lack lustre but not combined with sexy leather. It’s still probably not the best idea to wear a leather twinset to a family picnic or indeed a dress, but for any other occasion – think dinner with friends or sophisticated date, then go for it. Not only will you be bang on trend but subtle, soft and sexy to. What more can a man want.