Spring Fashion Returns to Oz

Fashion designers often describe inspiration for their seasonal shows. Movies, artists, and musicians are all frequent muses. But when the entire season is compiled there is a story all it’s own. The Wizard of Oz is an iconic cultural reference and can be seen throughout spring shows.
 The story of a young girl traveling to a colorful, far-off land has followed us though out the span of the 20th century and into our 21st. Let’s see how fashion’s spring 2010 collections would outfit the characters of Oz.

 

Looks from Viktor & Rolf, Hermès. Top: Ferragamo flats.

Glinda, the Witch of the South, will step into Viktor & Rolf’s tulled pieces. Her new gowns are witty and bold updates to the old witch’s wardrobe. A stand out look is a pink ruffled ball gown, with the skirt hacked into diagonal sections.
Jean Paul Gaultier’s closing looks for Hermès met the full demands of the Wicked Witch. His leg-exposing cuts would flutter about her ankles as she tossed fireballs or conjured up poppies. Floating sleeves and sheer touches defended the foundation of each design, an opaque unitard. Dark and seductive, the Witch can make almost anyone surrender, except a certain girl in red Topshop pumps.

Gareth Pugh’s Parisian spring collection was fit for a flying monkey. Grey fabric was layered in varying shades from head (and face) to foot. Webby dresses and paneled skirts took flight in a most somber way. Looks were topped off with flaring feather headpieces, including a lithe striped floor length gown modeled by Karlie Kloss.
   

Special pieces at Pugh could not be ignored by the Tin Man. Ladies were suited in glossy nylon dresses and leggings, as well as a stunning matte suit. The designer worked with various opacities but covered the body completely in silver hues. These outfits were for the pre-oil can Tin Man, who was buffed and shined in the Emerald city into the resemblance of a light reflecting wrap dress at Christian Dior or the brilliant closing look at Alexander McQueen.
It wouldn’t take much thought to what the Scarecrow’s favorite collection would be: D&G. The designers swathed models in distressed denim and burnt orange leather. Ruched and tiered, skirts were either just below the fingertips or at full floor length. Cinched crochet belts could hold one’s stuffing in place.
What this season lacked in fur was surely made up for with leather. Cowardly Lions will take comfort in Hannah Mac Gibbon’s collection for Chloé. Loose beige tops and pleated leather pants keep the Lion safely on trend.

cowardly lion by electrictick featuring Fendi accessories

Christopher Kane created pieces perfect for Dorothy. Adventurous and sheer, the gingham print dresses presented a wiser and sexier traveler. Sheer fabrics and high slits may be scandalous in the gusty winds of a hurricane.

Dorothy designs her dream entirely on her real life acquaintances. Taking inspiration from nature, culture, and relationships is what design is fueled by. The only things you need to pull off these looks are a heart, a brain, and yes, a little courage.