It started on last year’s runways, but this year has taken the fashion world by storm. Asymmetrical dresses have become the look du jour, as the "latest in red carpet looks is the bare-shoulder accessory," according to Eve magazine, June 2008.
One of the strongest celebrity trends of the season is the one-shouldered gown. From the current runways of Lanvin, Hermes and Caroline Herrera, asymmetrical gowns have been having their red-carpet moment as far afield as London, Cannes, Dubai and New York. From Kate Hudson’s Balmain black little number at London’s after-party for her movie Fool’s Gold, Rachel Bilson’s Randolph Duke green goddess gown at the Dubai Film Festival, Jennifer Connelly’s Balenciaga dress at New York’s Costume Institute Gala and Natalie Portman's asymmetrical white-ruffle Givenchy at Cannes.
The one-shouldered look is also a major influence for Fall 2008, as part of a trend in dramatic architectual shapes.
Asymmetrical Grecian Gowns
One of the favorite themes is the toga-style dress or Grecian gown. Scarlett Johansson looked stunning in a Stella McCartney toga-style shimmering silver maxi at the London premier of her film The Other Anne Boleyn Girl and Rihanna in a similarly-styled gray gown at the NRJ Awards in Cannes.
How to Wear an Asymmetric Dress
No longer given the the cold shoulder treatment, but a hot shoulder, right on-trend for the summer. Baring a shoulder means keeping your accessories simple, and wear single block-colors for a more slimming effect. Unless you have a boyish figure, make sure you have plenty of support from a strapless bra to give definition to your silhouette.
What to Styles to Buy
Whilst asymmetrical lines can be sexy, they can also make your top half look wider. One-shoulder dressing is more suited to a woman whose shoulders are narrow and has a less then ample bust. For boyish figures Net-a-Porter has some French-inspired pleated La Petite S oversized corsage dresses (£890), and contemporary designer Jonathan Sanders has an elegant ivory silk dress with multicolored sash.
Interestingly, many one-shouldered dresses are featured in monochrome which helps to give cleaner, chic and classic lines. See by Chloé, a black asymmetric dress, ticks two trend boxes in one with its large black bow. Rachel Roy’s beautiful Helena asymmetric ivory gown (£615) is in keeping with the Grecian trend, with a lovely Greco-roman inspired bodice, giving support to the fuller figure.
The Sex and the City Look
Some of the best high-street labels include those from Asos.com. One look that has been flying off the shelves is the Sex and the City-inspired dress as worn by Sarah Jessica Parker. This showstopping asymmetric corsage dress features a huge petal corsage on the left-hand shoulder, and has been featured in so many glossy magazines and internet blogs it’s a wonder there are any left. Especially when you consider the price, at £38.00 (approximately $75.)
For those who have whole-heartedly embraced ruffles this season, then Asos also has a Chandelier Cotton Frill dress (£48) with plenty of volume, similar to one worn by Natalie Portman.
Other One-Shouldered Outfits
There are one-shouldered styles a plenty when it comes to tops and other garments. Swimsuits lend themselves particularly well to asymmetrical styles, and those lucky enough to be tall and willowy can really carry the designs off. For those women who have fuller figures, it’s a question of finding a style that works for you. Choose a wide one-shoulder strap rather than a thin one, and look for a design that is able to give you enough support in the bodice. Black is undoubtedly the most slimming color and helps to narrow the appearance of the shoulders.
Dare to Bare a Shoulder
Whatever happens, the asymmetric trend can be a tricky one. However, dare to bare a shoulder or two. Whether it be a T-shirt top, a slinky blouse, a swimsuit, or a Grecian gown, lend a shoulder to the trend and team-up any Greco-Roman look with another of this season’s beauty's, the strappy summer gladiator sandal.
 |
 |
 |
