A different kind of sexy for 2022
After over a year of distancing and personal protective gear, next year — hopefully with unmasked grins — we’ll be baring it all. That’s what the collections at this year’s spring 2022 shows at fashion weeks around the world are presenting, splicing figure-hugging fabric to reveal slivers of gleaming, taut flesh.
Eenie-mini-mo
Which mini for spring? Maria Gazia Chiuri’s homage to Marc Bohan’s “Slim Look” at Dior? Prada’s Miuccia-minimal satin ones with a train as Raf Simons’ take on a “relevant” evening gown? Or in leather and logos by Missoni under new creative direction by Angela Missoni’s right hand Alberto Caliri?
Biker gang
Leather jackets are all over the spring 2022 looks but biker is the silhouette of choice to chunk up skimpy silhouettes. Tod’s and Marni’s takes are my favorites.
Love triangle
Flashes of triangle bikini tops are giving flashbacks. Kim Jones’ Fendi is white-hot and Studio 54-glamorous. Celebrity favorite LaQuan Smith is giving off 2000s sexy vibes. Brandon Maxwell tames his psychedelic prints in black and white.
Peek-a-boo
It’s going to be hot — a peep into the center of your décolletage is the newest way to ventilate — whether it’s in a Gen Z favorite by Berlin-based Ottolinger, athletic and sleek at Burberry, or elegant at Giorgio Armani.
Suit yourself
Over a year of loungewear and “Zoom” tops have given rise to new rules for suiting. Anthony Vacarello at Saint Laurent lamented the ubiquity of ill-cut blazers “all over Instagram,” so he’s showing the kids what it’s supposed to look like in a new three-fourths sleeve. Lapel-less is more at Jil Sander. And at Versace, Naomi Campbell dons it in Stabilo-brights.