Fashion goes East for spring with Mediterranean inspired looks featuring draped, ruched, wrapped, and folded details. It is not unusual for fashion trends to emerge from other areas of the world and find a way into our favorite designer collections and onto the runways, we’ve seen it before: the Grecian toga, the Japanese kimono, and the Indian sari are just a few trendy-worthy examples.
But, not since the 90s, when MC Hammer rhythmically danced about in a similar baggy pant, bellowing his mantra, “can’t touch this,” did it seem likely that harem-style pants would again be fashionable and make their way into magazines or even our closets. This spring, however, many designers have embraced this look and revamped the harem pant. Typically, these style of pants gather at the waist and ankle with wide flaps at the hips that fold in and button at the waist. This season there are a bevy of cuts ranging from a contemporary jodhpur-like pant to a traditional parachute-style that is loose fitting and tapered at the calf or ankle — a full hip with side pockets seemed to prevail. Is it possible that this fashion fad has become a trend with designers?
The spring shows were chock full of this billowy pant including Ralph Lauren, Temperley London, Phi, Tracy Reese, Proenza Schouler, Jill Stuart, Elie Tahari, and Tibi. Ralph Lauren paired a classic silk harem pant and double-breast belted jacket with a full-brim hat for a sophisticated safari look. Temperley London’s balloon version was edgy, shown with a studded belt and animal print scarf. Phi’s white silky pant was softened with a two-tone silk cami. Tracy Reese added elegance with a black and silver printed ensemble accessorized with a silver wrap chain. Jill Stuart’s sporty pant was fashioned from a heather grey knit jersey and fitted at the ankle for a bunched look.
Though inspired by an eastern culture, these harem pants flaunt a modern flair that makes them a worthy western trend.
(Photo Credit: style.com)
