From Philip Lim’s Fall 2009 RTW

One of fashion’s best design trends to enter the current style scene is the element of draping.
Some of you are fanning yourselves wondering if I’ve taken a punch to the head but I tell you, it is a gift to us.
Luscious fabric looped and laying in places you need it to camouflage abdominal imperfections, draped dramatically to show one’s décolletage or side-swept to pull away the eye from areas beyond our control.
Yes, draping.

According to the Institute of Draped Clothes, (there is one), “In the ancient world, whether in Rome, Greece, Egypt, or Mesopotamia, draping was considered the most civilized way to dress. It was the art of the elite to gracefully arrange the folds of elegant togas and other draped garments. This tradition survives today in the unequaled grace of the sari. Yet at the same time, draped clothing has been the daily working attire of ordinary people, from the old ‘great kilt’ of Scotland, to the sarong and dhoti of southern Asia.”

Current fashion draping trends have steered away from the kilt and sari proper but inspiration from the ancient world lingers in pieces from internationally-recognized designers like Philip Lim (above) and here with Donna Karan:

For a more eco-approach to draping I suggest these burgeoning designers who prove that draping can be done responsibly:

Sublet’s Catherine Dress at Greenloop

She-Bible’s Monarch Top at Beklina

Prairie Underground Mothette Light Dress at Embodies

The post Trend Alert – Draped & Divine appeared first on EcoSalon.

How do I know it’s summer? I hear bees and see flowers blooming; I’m working out because that beach vacation is looming. I watch baby birds as they learn to fly; I welcome new beginnings into my life.

And yes, I write terrible jingles that barely rhyme.

Actually, I know summer is upon us because all of a sudden I’m in the mood for dresses. All I want is to bare my legs and to wear strappy sandals. I’ve gathered some of my favorite sexy frocks for frolicking your way through the next few months:

Elroy Larkspur Dress

Don’t be fooled by the basic looks of this little knit dress. Not only does the low v-back say sexy but the long gathered “scarf” that connects to a side seam creates an entirely sensational dress with tons of possibilities. The aqua, chocolate and white are 95% modal and 5% spandex, while the black and royal blue versions are 100% bamboo knit jersey. Find it in sizes XS to L for $122 at Elroy.

Lara Miller Tiered Ronnie Dress

There’s not much to say other than simply stunning when looking at this dress made of organic cotton and bamboo. You might also call it short, sexy and sleeveless in a dirty periwinkle blue they call Iron. Oh, and it’s available in x-small, small and medium for $297 at Nimli.

Doucette Duvall Milly Dress

I adore the red and white checked print of the Milly Dress and its tilt toward the traditional, but it’s the open back with big white buttons that seals the deal. This frock can go just about anywhere melding modern, feminine and mystery. Made from 100% cotton rescued from a mill in Spain, you’ll find it in sizes 2, 6 and 8 for $370 at The Violet Hour.

Organic Zip Front Dress

I happened to be at Fred Segal this past weekend and found myself trying on this dress by Organic. Soft as a baby’s bum, it’s made of 100% biodegradable cupro with a zipper running down the front. The combination of floral, feminine and metal zipper is très sexy”¦as well as very expensive at $565. Find it in sizes 0 through 8 at Fred Segal or online at shopbop.

Eco-Ganik Criss Cross Finale Dress

This long, low cut gown is the epitome of elegant, yet it’s casual enough for a hot summer day. The Bora Flora print is earthy and glamorous; the material is woven 100% bamboo and the criss-cross in its name happens at the back (see top image). It’s available in sizes x-small, small and medium for $273 at Nimli.

FIN Goddess Bamboo Dress

What attracted me to this silky number from FIN is the flowing, almost water-like appearance of the 100% organic bamboo fabric. The gathered detail in the front makes for a form-fitting bodice and feminine streamlined shape. I’m a fan of FIN also because of their overall commitment to carbon neutrality and Fair Trade practices. Find it in sizes 4 through 10 for $432 at Equita.

Loyale Valencia Mini

I showcased a bikini by Loyale in this purplish floral print and everyone loved it, so here’s the same organic cotton and low impact dye floral print in a mini dress. “Flirty and fitted” and the perfect piece to throw on for a date or lunch with friends, it’s available in sizes XS to L for $178 at Loyale. (And for those of you who shy away from anything “mini”, there’s a longer version available for $196).

Edun Andie Shift Dress

This tailored shift dress is suitable for work or play, evening or day. The vertical stripes accentuate the longitude of a woman’s body, while the subtle slit up one leg along with the sequin detailed shoulders make for one sassy, sophisticated outfit. Add a pair of simple black pumps and va va vooom. Of course it’s eco – 100% sustainable cotton, fairly traded and sweatshop-free. Find it in sizes x-small, small and medium on sale for $215 (from $325) at Equita.

Beau Soleil Beau Guard Dress

Here’s a slinky, one-shouldered maxi that’s worthy of a head turn or two, if you ask me. 100% bamboo and simply black, the Beau Guard showcases a sexy metal ring on the shoulder that holds the back and front together. I love a dress that screams sexy while leaving so much to the imagination. It’s available in sizes petite, small and medium for $250 at Nimli.

Sublet Catherine Dress

Last but definitely far from least, this dress from Sublet says classic and functional without being b o r i n g. Covered in pleats made of 30% organic cotton, 67% bamboo and 3% spandex for that special stretch, the Catherine sways and clings in just the right places. Find it in sizes x-small through large in three creamy colors, for $280 at Sublet.

Now I’m really in the mood for summer, aren’t you?

The post In the Mood for Sexy Summer Dresses appeared first on EcoSalon.