Move over New York Fashion Week, there’s another show in town.
Taking place each year in Spain, south of the border in Seville, the Salón Internacional de la Moda Flamenca (SIMOF) showcases the latest offerings from the country’s foremost producers of – well, how shall I put this – flamenco party attire?
But believe you me there is nothing tired about it. Featuring totally OTT designs and runway productions that include live singing and dancing, this year’s shows breathed a giant polka-dotted breath of fresh air and optimism into these times of economic doom and gloom.
Featuring a dizzying array of designs that frankly make New York Fashion Week appear funereal in comparison – as lovely as greys and tans and soft winter cashmeres are, the excitement they create is of a very different, perhaps cerebral, kind – last week’s SIMOF was an explosion of riotous colour and a study in combining clashing patterns to somewhat stunning effect.
Whilst confectionery and sweet shop overload were what most often came to mind as I watched the videos of the runway shows, I had to admit that I also felt like getting all dressed up and going dancing, such was the festive atmosphere brought on by all the frills and flounces – not to mention the plunging necklines and cheekily raised ruffled skirts.
Polka dots were not the only thing on the menu either, although they were naturally out in force. There were plenty of floral rose prints, abstract swirls, and both an Indian and a Mondrian-inspired show. Some designers broke away and went for a modern twist, and there were some checked and shirtdress-style offerings as well, which I have to say I quite liked the look of in a modern-gal-does-Sevillanas kind of way.
Many outfits were amusingly accessorised with colourful wedge sandals and cotton espadrilles, as if to suggest that this look would not be out of place on a trip to the beach or at a picnic on a summer’s day. But let’s not worry about where we are going to actually wear these creations – let’s just enjoy the ride!
To get the full impact of the sheer outrageousness of it all you simply MUST check out some photos of the creations:
It reminded me – as I look forward to yet another month of cold weather and layer upon layer of clothing – that when you are feeling cold, sad, uncertain or just plain uninspired, forget about putting on a happy face – go for your happy clothes!!
Grab something bright, something in a larger-than-life size (a ring, a hat, a bag, some shoes), and give yourself the lift you need with an instant energy buzz. You may feel a bit eccentric and dramatic and even perhaps a little devil-may-care, and so what? Watch as people look at you differently in the street and see how often you exchange knowing smiles with complete strangers with your nod to flamboyant dressers everywhere. Enjoy!
Happy frills
Rubi
