With Hong Kong’s temperature and humidity rising steadily, now is the time to embrace summer fabrics in all their lightness and breathability. Mesh, crochet and sheer outfits are among the most popular choices this season, and it’s easy to understand why—not only are they casual but sexy, their peek-a-boo details keep its wearer’s style chic and cool.
For instance, Jennifer Lawrence cut a fine figure at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21 when she attended the photo call for the documentary Bread and Roses (2023) in a Dior Haute Couture crochet dress in sandy beige. On its own, it would have more fitting on the beach than the red carpet. However, Lawrence glammed it up with a loose chignon, minimalist makeup, Alison Lou pear-cut cocktail diamond earrings, and strappy gem-studded sandals.
Here we look at how luxury brands have incorporated peek-a-boo fashion in their summer collections.
Read more: From Gemma Chan to Fan Bingbing: Here are the best-dressed Asians stars at Cannes Film Festival
Okay crochet
Knitwear might not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of summer dressing, but crochet—with its bohemian vibe and relatively open weave—ticks all the right boxes for a summer wardrobe. Which is why it has long been a staple in summer fashion, especially in resort-wear or for getaways. For example, Sofia Richie, model and daughter of singer Lionel Richie, rocked a black crochet skirt on the beach during her honeymoon earlier this month.
If you’re looking for a sustainable brand selling crochet garments, check out the most recent collections from Indian Canadian designer Pari Desai and black-owned business Nia Thomas that is great for swimsuit cover-ups.
Sheer delight
At this year’s Met Gala afterparty, Kendall Jenner opted to go sheer in a sequin bodysuit with a black harness by London-based Albanian designer Nensi Dojaka. It not only added sparkle to the event but also lots of sex appeal. But for those who prefer a looser fit, a sheer top, dress or skirt are light and airy pieces that can add a touch of casual chic to any look while allowing for ventilation.
To try this trend, browse through British Indian designer Supriya Lele’s creations. She is a fan of creating depth and texture with layered sheer fabrics, and you can see this in her spring-summer 2023 collection which had yellow see-through miniskirts worn over contrasting black pants, mesh leggings under asymmetrical skirts and transparent dresses strategically knotted to appear more opaque in certain areas.
Meanwhile, for body-hugging sheer pieces, Jenner was on the right track and Nensi Dojaka is your go-to designer. Having developed a strong brand identity with form-fitting clothes with unique cut-outs and layered sheer fabrics since the brand debuted in 2019, Dojaka is known to play with transparency, opacity and a healthy dose of sparkle to create distinct shapes.
Mesh mash
Looking for the comfort of close-toed footwear but with the breathability of sandals? Luxury shoe brands Le Monde Beryl and Dear Frances might have just the thing for you—the labels have just launched mesh Mary Jane shoes and ballet flats respectively, and in neutral shades that elongate any silhouette and can complement any summer pedicure.
If you love the “balletcore” trend (that started with Miu Miu’s satin ballet flats from its autumn-winter 2022 collection), mesh shoes is the newest way to wear that trend a twist.
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