3-D

What a relief! Designers are thinking in all three dimensions lately. In fact, some of their fanciful creations are in such high relief that they may be impossible to sit down in; dry-clean; maneuver in, etc. But CC says, this is the price one pays for being fashion-forward and wearing ART!

At right: Hussein Chalayan's impressive backside looks like a car met a taffy pull!
Left: Frilly fripperies at Luisa Beccaria and
Giambattista Valli
Viktor & Rolf spiral out of control!
3.1 Phillip Lim – zip it good!
Andrew Gn

Galliano Resort

Nathan Jenden lego (?) mania
Basso & Brooke
Blumarine, via nytimes.com. CC loves this intricate, colorful beading!
Emilio Pucci scarf-weaving – we are sooooo going to DIY this!
Gianfranco Ferre
Gareth Pugh’s accordion chic.
Marios Schwab
Pretty petals at Lanvin (purple), Alexander McQueen (yellow) and Peter Jensen (below, black)

Crazy crenellation at Versace
Accessories In High Relief:
Marc Jacobs on left; Louis Vuitton on right, in Bazaar
Armand Basi One
3.1 Phillip Lim
Burberry Prorsum
Christian Lacroix
Dries van Noten
Valentino
Christian Lacroix evening bag
Fendi
Louis Vuitton
Roberto Cavalli
Pick a 3-D Pocket! Polka dot at Lacroix and intricately beaded at Matthew Williamson

What to buy? Use your better instincts, darlings; find a piece that flatters while allowing one aspect of its construction (beads, folds, a well-placed oversize bloom, etc.) to be set in high relief.
CC opines that the safest way to channel this trend is with jewelry.
Runway inspiration at left: Vera Wang
At right: Subversive Toy Sunken Treasure necklace, at Barneys New York.
This Kate Spade Lady Marmalade ball charm bracelet is gorgeous, but a bit steep at $255. Get the 3-D bauble look for less with the lovely goldtone bracelet pictured at right and on sale at anntaylorloft.com for $14.99!
If you're feeling bold, go futuristic with this Nike Precool Vest, available for purchase at arcticheatusa.com; picture via nytimes.com.
Luella Penelope ribbon dress; this and next at net-a-porter.com.
Zac Posen Reglissé dress.

Let the pocket protect you!

Manoush dress, at my-wardrobe.com
Irregular Choice Clack Attack shoes. Visit irregularchoicestore.co.uk.
Last look: Vera Wang flower tunic at vivre.com - CC loves this color palette!

How do you feel, Fellow Fashionistas?

Are you ready to dress in three dimensions?