There’s something about those videos of runway models wobbling in skyscraper heels that many people find endlessly entertaining.
For some, it’s just another case of guilty amusement at another human being’s expense; but for critics of the industry, it’s hearty delight over the ‘vindication’ that some trends are, in fact, just plain old ridiculous.
Something that I have come to learn over the years is that this conflict is at the very heart of fashion and personal style. So, while some people sneered and hid their smirks while I strutted around in my seven-inch Jeffrey Campbell ‘Lita’ platforms, I held my head high and remembered that footwear resembling correctional shoes weren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Similarly, while some people rolled their eyes over the ‘backwards’ trend that emerged during London Fashion Week earlier this year, I decided to reserve judgement until I gave the look a go myself.
I had plenty of inspiration too: my Instagram feed was chock-a-block with photos of esteemed editors and street-style stars experimenting with the trend, each one managing to somehow look amazing in their back-to-front blouses.
With British Vogue pushing the trend in its September issue – even extending the look to include everything from jackets to jumpers – I figured it was FINALLY time to put my own stamp on it.
Here’s how I got on…
Look 1
If my Vogue favourite Naomi Smart is rocking a backwards shirt, then I’m all over it. While this was the central look in my experiment, it turned out to be the most disappointing. From the front, it just looked like I was wearing a straightjacket; and from the back, it was just all a bit, well, meh.
With a different shirt – possibly buttoned all the way down – I might have liked this look a little better.
Look 2
Sometimes it’s the afterthought that winds up being the winner, and this was definitely the case with this kimono. I literally grabbed it as I was heading out the door, thinking it would either look amazing or awful.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did my backwards kimono look really cool from the rear, but the belt ensured it didn’t look like a sloppy mess at the front.
Look 3
Back detail is major this season, with delicate embroidery popping up all over bomber and Letterman jackets. Rather than shell out more money investing in yet MORE clothing, I reckoned I could work this look with one of my very favourite pieces: my Kenzo sweater.
That tiger detail looked way better when it wasn’t broken up by my boobs, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well the sweater fit backwards – that’s good quality for you, people!
While many of you may find this trend utterly ridiculous, maybe the topsy-turvy look will float your boat. Either way, a little experimentation is always fun, and won’t hurt anyone – it may even give a whole new lease of life to a much-neglected wardrobe basic.
