What I Actually Wore #0012
Serial #: 0012
Date: 03/11/2008
Weather: 18°, slightly windy, cool in morning, threatening rain
Time Allowed: 5 minutes
What is the correct terminology for a hem that is turned under itself and attached to the lining? Balloon hem? Bubble hem? Cocoon? A quick search on Google turns up 'balloon hem' in reference to a Narciso Rodriguez dress on net-a-porter.com. That’s good enough for me.
There is also something strangely attractive about them. I admit, unashamedly, that I liked them the first time they came round in the 80s, when I was a teen. I had at least two incarnations, one in black and white gingham that I wore with a white t-shirt and a black corset belt, and a coral-coloured dress with white polka-dots that I still have rolled up in a drawer somewhere.
Then quite a few years ago I bought an Obüs skirt in greeny-goldy shantung silk that had a modified balloon hem, slightly twisted. And of course we all know they are back in fashion with a vengeance again! However, the dress I am wearing here – purchased at the Salvos – I would never have bought new simply because it is strapless.
I admit, unashamedly, that I liked [balloon skirts] the first time they came round in the 80s, when I was a teen
I have always hated strapless necklines with a passion – I think because I once saw a gruesome photo in the 80s of a quartet of bridesmaids all straining to catch the bride’s bouquet. Their arms and torsos reached to the heavens; their dresses stayed firmly anchored to earth, thanks very much, and all of Australia was treated to a view of their bosoms. Thank you, Cleo or Cosmo, or whichever magazine it was that published this delectation.
A top worn underneath saves the day. Featuring an asymmetrical hem, and a pretty draped neckline it complements the draped hem nicely. Discovered on the same shopping trip as the dress, the top is from the currently retired Australian label Tina Borg. I added the blue suede shoes and red enamel earrings for a shot of colour to enliven my neutral palette.
Items:
Top: Tina Borg
Dress: Barkins
Earrings: from Love It
Watch: Kenneth Cole
Sunglasses: from Bimbo
Shoes: Robert Robert