It's coming back: the sparkling look<

La Presse dissects the origin of a fashion trend: where does it come from and why does it emerge? How to wear it? Decryption.

The trend

Does it shine, does it sparkle, does it shine? So, it's in the tone this season! Sequins, and all its variants (lurex, sequin, lamé, rhinestones), are found on all types of clothing, from skirts to pants, including cardigans, t-shirts, shoes and handbags. “Spangles are democratized,” says Ryma Brixi, stylist at Hébert & Brixi. It is no longer reserved for festive events and Christmas. »

Once perceived as a precious ornament, sequins were embroidered on noble fabrics, worn by the elite. It must be said that its manufacture, by hand, was as delicate as it was laborious…until the almost accidental discovery of “modern” sequins. In 1934, Henry Rushman wanted to get rid of plastic waste by crushing it, creating residue that captured the light wonderfully.

The brilliants crept everywhere thereafter: in fashion, in cosmetics, in decoration, in graphics, for example. A star of Studio 54's glitzy soirees, glitter had its heyday with the creation of David Bowie's character Ziggy Stardust, renowned for his glittering costumes and make-up.

From there, shiny materials became accessible to the masses: for the fall-winter 2020-2021 season, they invaded fashion shows and the windows of major brands.

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Where do we see it?

“There are glitter everywhere! launches Laurence Bareil, TV host and author of The Smart Shopping Bible. And what's interesting is that gloss comes in all kinds of shades now. »

Whether in thrift stores, in supermarkets or in chic boutiques, clothes that shine are popular. In the collections of international designers, we also find many of them: at Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne, Burberry, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, Dior, Thierry Mugler, Victoria Beckham and Isabelle Marant, among others. Metallic looks, especially silver, are particularly present.

According to Catherine Hébert, stylist at Hébert & Brixi, the trend for shiny looks is also sweeping through everyday clothing and sportswear. “We must banish this association of sparkling looks and Christmas, she specifies, because from now on, we can wear them every day, in small touches. »

Why does it come back?

Is the current sequins there by excess of nostalgia? “It reminds us of the Roaring Twenties and the holidays, comments Ryma Brixi. Maybe we shouldn't wait for the end of the pandemic to dive into it! »

Without risking an explanation on the return of this trend, Laurence Bareil underlines how much “sequins bring happiness”. “They create an interesting look every time,” she says. And they can be used as a replacement for black, gray or beige, as a neutral… but it's much more fun! Who doesn't need more fun right now? »

We want to adopt it

To try the sparkly look trend, either dive in with an assumed shimmering garment (a lurex dress, this metallic thread, for example) or choose to tame it gently. “We can then opt for a belt, a bracelet, a handbag or a scrunchie,” suggests Laurence Bareil.

Among her “classic” choices: metallic shoes or a blouse with a shiny collar. "It doesn't have to be massive," she nuances. And to avoid a fault of bad taste? We balance the look with a more discreet, plain garment. "A big cashmere sweater with a sequined skirt, it's chic and delicate", proposes Ryma Brixi.