Piece of the Week: The Carmen March Bustier

The Emma Waston Bustier, as seen in the Carmen March Spring/Summer 2017 Lookbook.

Nothing says “success” like having your outfit worn by one of the most “woke” movie star in the world. Well that is exactly what happened to  Carmen March when activist and actress Emma Watson decided to wear one of the Spanish designer’s looks while she was in London doing the press junket rounds for her latest film, the live action remake of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

The outfit was chronicled in a dedicated Instagram feed called @The_Press_Tour, which highlighted all of the outfits Watson wore during her global press events for the movie. All of the looks were verified by the company Eco-Age, an “ideas consultancy” created by Livia Firth to promote ethical and sustainable fashion choices.

The photo of Watson looking statuesque in profile, with the unmistakeable London Eye ferris wheel seen in the background, shows off (to great effect) the structured elegance that has become a hallmark of March’s work. The designer had built a name for herself with her couture tailoring techniques and her love of incorporating sartorial elements of her Spanish heritage into her work. That is were the ruffles on this bustier come into play.

Ruffles are a key feature in much of Spain’s traditional clothing. What would a polkadot flamingo dancer’s dress be without its ruffled edge? But in March’s hands those ruffles are given a modern twist. They are laid out horizontally and executed with a minimalistic slant. Paired with the designer’s fitted, understated pants, the bustier becomes the chic focal point of the outfit. One that is both feminine and feminist in its visual display of strength.

To see more of Carmen March’s latest designs click here.

Emma Watson in a Carmen March ensemble

Jessica Michault

Jessica Michault is the Senior Vice President of industry relations at GPS Radar by Launchmetrics. She is also the editor-at-large for ODDA magazine and contributes to publications like the New York Times, the Business of Fashion, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Mixte magazine.