Pantsuits: It’s a Must for the Evening

Gladys Rodríguez-Dod
Exclusively By Rex Fabrics
Fine Fabrics from Around the World

When women’s pants were confined to be worn only in the beach or country, fashion took a turn to the city and pants soon became the “uniform” of the modern executive... just as the tailored suit had been for women in the 1920s.

They were not very sexy, of course, but they exuded strength, comfort and were very wearable. After all, the woman now worked and needed clothing that wasn't complicated and, above all, that it did not make her stand out. We were competing with men at work, and had to demonstrate that, although a woman, we could juggle both home and work.

We can’t forget that in the beginning, back in the 1960s, pants were not always acceptable. In New York’s famous Club 21, women were not allowed wearing pants. Katherine Hepburn, known for being avant-garde, was the exception... and she could wear them and was welcomed at this trendy restaurant... but no one else!

Over time, pantsuits went through a transformation becoming more sensual, more feminine; because women had already proven what they were capable of, not only running a household where she shuffled taking care of the children and the home, but also have a successful career in the business world.

And that’s when Yves Saint Laurent took the bull by the horns ―took charge, that is!― and decided there was room for pants at night time. Yes, he was the culprit! One day he had the brilliant idea of inventing le smoking, inspired by man’s evening dress; and we all realized that wearing pants at night was simply sensational. Comfortable and fun, they allowed us ease of movement to dance past midnight without even realizing it.

Then pantsuits for eveningwear were starting to be noticed in international catwalks, showing that they had nothing to do with sporty ones, the favorites of the modern executive.

The two-piece outfits for the evening were bold, enticing, sensual... even sexy. They stole glances, because we elegantly stood out, but in a comfortable and fun way.

Today, none of us could do without several pantsuits for those occasions after sunset. Whether a cocktail party or a gala night, it’s a must for this coming autumn-winter season. And, on top of it all, the designers present us fashions with great charm, new colors and new fittings. It’s as if they had conspired that this fashionable option for a well-dressed woman must be more chic, more tempting, more dramatic, and in the most wonderful textiles imaginable.

The styles have arrived with glamour, sophistication, and with delicious fittings. They are flirty creations, with a touch of magic, because they tempt us to go out and party. And, above all, they offer us the possibility to feel comfortable and well dressed.

There are beautiful designs in shiny textures, exquisite brocades, novelty fabrics that entice our emotions. The traditional colors of the season, such as black, grey, brown, are very present; but also there are pastel colors, very feminine and chic, such as the plum or purple “bishop”. We are talking about fashions that are flattering, enhancing the curves and, above all, very, very sensual... as if they were praising women at all times!

GUCCI used modern prints for his pantsuits, which he blended with black, to add a touch of grace to the silhouette. In ATELIER VERSACE they leaned towards super sexy creations, with support bras under the jackets, in unexpected hues such as eggplant. But JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER chose to create his designs in charcoal gray textiles which carry certain brightness, with traditionally cut pants and jackets with huge pockets, very popular and useful.

ALEXANDER VAUTHIER preferred to be more dramatic in his fashions and added drapes, giving them great glamour especially when he opted for black, while RALPH LAUREN created beautiful sets, also in black, with trims and borders, radiating both elegance and stylishness.

The effect of openwork was very popular in the fashion shows during this season, and in the hands of my friend and great designer RALPH RUCCI it becomes a style out of this world, romantic and modern at the same time.

And, when it came to luxury, the word was the designs of ARMANI PRIVE in beautiful brocades and novelty fabrics in light colors that leave one breathless for its beauty; and when it came to the red carpet and his models, it was ELIE SAAB. The one-shouldered designs, embroidered with silver-colored stones, are simply the epitome of elegance. Who is excited about all this?