TREND ALERT! Laser Cutouts

NIKE

Stella McCartney for Adidas

PERFtee

Technology has influenced fashion for decades, and the latest styles utilize laser-cutting techniques to create unique garments, accessories and footwear. The trend extends across all classifications and is a particularly important detail for the active wear market, which was the first to embrace this cutting edge technology. Laser-cut items have been all over the runways of late, with Christopher Kane’s S/S 11 collection leading the way. My of his standout leather pieces were intricately cut to resemble lace. Marni, Valentino and Chanel have also embraced the trend, using laser cutouts for both apparel and accessories. As more and more designers begin to harness the power of technology, this versatile and directional trend will become increasingly prevalent in the coming seasons. I can see this being very functional in active wear, which any athlete will appreciate, but personally it would really depend on where it was placed on the garment and what garment it was on to get me to pick up on laser-cutting. I can image it having a BAD impact if it were placed on the wrong spot and give the wearer a not so attractive silhouette.