From fringed details to straw hats along with a profile of jewelry and handbag designer Sylvia Furmanovich, early 2018 is about entwining the trademarks of generations with modern techniques

by Jen Goldenberg

Full on fringe
A hallmark in trends since the 1920s, this year fringe is primed for a trend sweep. Take the Dior runway (left), where Maria Grazia Chiuri’s monochromatic blue look a structured blazer paired with a fringe skirt sent a strong message of power and playfulness. Another French maven, Simon Porte Jacquemus, offered a collection that paid homage to sea, sun, and folk tradition. One of her looks is this free flowing blouse with a fringe detailed pareo (center). Jason Anderson of Loewe, meanwhile, described his collection as an ode to the bohemian traveling women. There was a sense of practicality afoot, too ultra wearable pieces that fashion forward girls would relish, like this multi textural jacket (right) with a structured top and untethered but perfectly placed fringes.

Fringe Dior 1

THE NEW AGE STRAW HAT
Though there will always be a fondness for the classic Panama, this season, designers made a statement with straw hats that went far beyond sun shield practicality striped, folded and fastened together as they were, often in unconventional ways. Take Delpozo (right), whose models strutted down the runway in designs folded into bows. And again we meet Jacquemus (left), whose French isle take on the sun hat was gloriously exaggerated. At Dolce & Gabbana (center), whose new collection, inspired by love, is called “Queen of Hearts,” designers offered a bright and bold version decorated with colored fringe. Stupefacente!

Straw Hat Jacquemus_1

Silvia’s atelier
Discovering Sylvia Furmanovich’s collection is like thumbing through a modern antique atelier. With the legacy of her father, a goldsmith, in mind, she uses his craft along with generational techniques and modern materials to create a collection that is distinct and extraordinary. Each piece is crafted to emulate a distinct moment in Furmanovich’s travels, and some collections, like the India, Italy, Japan, and Marquetry, embody cultural heritage, while others focus on showcasing stones such as those in her porcelain bead bracelets and opal earrings. All highlight rare and exceptional materials in unique ways.

Silvia Fumanovich Porcelain Bead and Ruby Bracelet