‘Survivor’ Invades Fashion

As if ruling the household television once a week were not enough, Survivor has invaded fashion. If you are one of those who love to wear jeans that are worn-out and ripped, then you are in fashion. One of the season’s hottest trends is Savage Chic. "It is a look that is wild, raw and above all, ruggedly sexy in that ‘Me Tarzan, you Jane’ kind of way," writes Lucie Muir in "Call of the Wild," British Vogue October 2001."Or a more contemporary reference, think Helena Bonham Carter in Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes, she adds. The savage survivor ruled the runway of Donna Karan with rugged-edged leather and nubuck, wrapped, Mad Max huntress style over sleek black-jersey body pieces.

The Dolce & Gabbana woman strutted the runway with wild tousled hair, sporting disheveled low-riding denim looks, skin-tight distressed-leather trousers and barely there lace tops. "We wanted a primitive mood, slightly hippie with a touch of the nomadic about it. It’s like the women who love to shop at Portobello, who mix vintage in with rugged pieces," says Dolce & Gabbana in "Call of the Wild." The appearance of Davy Crockett and the wild frontier girls was at the catwalk of Christian Dior. Bleached and burned denim, shredded fabric and distressed furs ruled the collection of Roberto Cavalli. Calvin Klein was in a rugged mood with his distressed leather coats and vests. Mui Mui completed their looks with accessories from distressed leather belts and lace-up boots. Even John Galliano’s evening dresses showed their wild side with frays and shreds. Alberta Ferretti’s version was tulle-layered dresses and edges burned with a laser.

The trend is about going back to the handcrafted look – natural and raw. In the crazy world of fashion where everything is about brand, fashionistas are now looking for special distinct pieces. It is something that doesn’t look new. It is something that looks like "it has been in my closet for years." It is also about comfort and familiarity. Just imagine a home that looks lived-in. That’s how the look should feel. The trend is perfect for today’s economic downturn. You can look hip and of-the-moment without having to buy new things. Look through your baul collection. Revive your grandmother’s worn-out bags and keep wearing those leather boots until they look distressed. Or frequent flea markets and garage sales. You would be surprised. Other people’s trash might be your treasure. Then dress up the look with a lace top, a vintage brooch, a ladylike handbag, beautiful dangling earrings, chunky bracelets or a serious jacket. I cannot stress enough that it is all about individuality. With the fashion now, you are free to express yourself.

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