Not Your Granny’s Needlepoint

I usually get a little depressed and even a bit irritated when I start seeing fall fashions coming down the runway this time of year. It really wasn’t that long ago I was trying to be stylish and warm, but after seeing a couple of trends on deck, I am changing my tune. I am hardly excited about the weather turning cold again, but I am excited about Dolce and Gabbana’s fall 2012 needlepoint and tapestry-embellished line.

I loved the recent ads; they reminded me of fabulous older movies with bombshells like Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren. To quote patternpeople.com, who put it a bit more eloquently, “Inspired by the rich history of Italy once again, this time Dolce & Gabbana turn their sights on the religious imagery that Sicily has to offer. “

Dolce & Gabbana is one of my dream labels and is a favorite of some of my celebrity “style-dols.” Tapestry and needlepoint designs have been part of the fashion scene many times over the years, so it fits right into the retro vibe that continues to flow in the fashion world. But I have never seen it done so fabulously high fashion. I remember having a pair of granny boots with this textile embellishment in the ’80s, but the ones Maison Martin Margiela did early in the year have reset the bar for all of the ’80s-inspired versions we are starting to see. Even if I still had them tucked away, I would not attempt to give them another go-round.

This line is truly gorgeous and sexy, but there is also something charmingly kitschy about this hot trend. I agree with my peers at patternpeople that, “These tapestry-looking florals evoke a deep nostalgia for comforting things like Gramdma’s needlepoint pillow, fancy tablecloths and worn-looking wall hangings.”

I think one element that is making a difference this season is the pigment and hue of the colors. They are much brighter than last time around, and I am completely in favor of the bright true shades over the more dusky pastels that can also be found.

I will be starting a small trust fund to make sure I add at least one accessory or garment from this hot trend, but the fabulous part is I really don’t have to wait too long, since it’s already showing up and has been translated onto shoes, accessories, handbags, and some garments that can be worn right now.