Don't say goodbye to the gladiator sandal just yet; the look has been heavily revived in Spring 2009 collections (a huge relief to those fashionistas on a budget!) The designers seemed to ignore the recession entirely, flaunting collections that looked as though they'd been delicately blessed by a reincarnation of King Midas.
Fashion week onlookers were swept away, and back in time, to the days of Ancient Egypt, where being draped in golden baubles was the norm. Christian Dior opted for "Nefertiti-chic" hairstyles that rose in dramatic hourglass shapes of crimped hair contrasted with Cleopatra-straight bangs. Ralph Lauren charmed with snake jewelry, while other designers, like Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, went for a slightly more Roman take with golden-winged breast plates over white gowns fit for a goddess.
"At Anna Sui, hieroglyphs provided the basis for elaborate prints, while Sophia Kokosalaki worked in a pharaoh-worthy palette of lapis lazuli and gold," noted Style.com, adding also that "Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock of Vena Cava accessorized with slinky silver breastplates."
While some of these looks may be too dramatic to wear in every day situations, a chic gladiator sandal paired with a white sun dress works wonders, but so does a simple tiny accessory such as a snake armband or necklace. The key to working the look, however, lies in having the poise and confidence of a modern day Hathor, goddess of beauty.
Modern Day Goddess Fashion
Runway Styles Influenced by Ancient Egypt
Trend Themes
1. Ancient Egyptian Influences - Fashion designers are taking inspiration from Ancient Egypt and incorporating elements such as hieroglyphic prints and golden baubles into their collections, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovation in jewelry and accessory production.
2. Midas Touch - Designers are flaunting collections with gold accents, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovation in textile and fabric production to create garments with a similar aesthetic.
3. Goddess Fashion - Spring 2009 collections showcased runway styles fit for goddesses with flowing white gowns and breastplates, providing opportunities for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry to create outfits inspired by mythological figures.
Industry Implications
1. Jewelry - The incorporation of snake jewelry and breastplates into runway fashion presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in jewelry design and production.
2. Textile - The prevalence of gold accents in Spring 2009 collections presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in textile production and fabric dyeing techniques to achieve a metallic sheen.
3. Fashion - The runway styles inspired by mythological figures present opportunities for disruptive innovation in fashion design and production, incorporating elements such as flowing white gowns and golden accents.