Top Trend: Western

The great thing about fashion is that it can take inspiration from anywhere, even the least expected
places. For example, you wouldn’t think of the classic westerns “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” or
“Dances with Wolves” as being major fashion influences. Well, think again, because Resort 2018 is
proving everybody wrong.

Acne Studios, Christian Dior, Altuzarra

In contrast to other trends where references can be found in more subtle ways (a neckline’s cut, a
choice of color or an accessory), the western inspiration is loud and clear in this year’s resort collections. Designers like Acne Studios’ Jonny Johansson, Joseph Altuzarra or Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior went all in with the
essential, identifiable western gear. Distressed black leather trousers and a cropped denim jacket gave
iconic Veruschka the perfect western look at Acne Studio. Add to that a chunky belt and brown boots
(plus a boyish hairstyle) and the 60s legend transformed into the 2018 edgy cowgirl. While Altuzarra
ingeniously used the classic red cowboy scarf as a wrap-around top, Dior offered the head-to- toe
western attire: a tartan rug dress worn with a fringed suede overcoat, hat included.

Coach, Gucci, Moschino

Obviously, you cannot avoid the use of skins when it comes to a western-inspired look (still we prefer them
faux). Coach 1941 opened its collection with a sand-colored maxi dress paired with a sleeveless
sheepskin jacket. At Moschino, Jeremy Scott directly alluded to any cowboy’s best friend (yes, the
cow) with a brown and white print on a studded coat with matching open-toe pumps. And then there
was all black leather, best shown at Gucci with golden fringes, or with strong shoulders and no
sleeves in the rocker eye of Redemption.

For anyone still doubting that western can be feminine or high-fashion, always remember Marilyn
Monroe in “River of No Return”. Even 64 years after the release of the film, there’s no denying her
on-screen looks remain an endless inspiration feeding this Resort 2018 top trend.

Maxime Der Nahabedian

Initially trained to become a specialized translator from English and German to French, Maxime has been writing for fashion and lifestyle publications for about three years. First as a Managing Editor for the quarterly fashion & art magazine Crash where he worked on ten issues, then most recently for the French online media Saywho.fr. His topics of choice go from fashion shows and exhibitions reviews to interviews with various cultural figures (Beth Ditto, Lilly Collins, Aitor Throup).