Lurex – One of the Hottest Fashion Trends for the Fall and Winter Season
Sparkling knits and shimmering silk-like fabrics are all the rage. Tailored from alluring Lurex, fabrics in gemstone colors are illuminating the fashion runways and trendy boutiques. The sexy, vintage glam of Lurex is back with style and panache.
Not to be confused with the “other” Lurex – an Asian Tiger mosquito attractant, the fabulous fabric known as Lurex is simply metallic thread containing a polyester fiber and a vaporized layer of aluminum. Woven into fabric, Lurex is a true eye-catcher.
Today, according to the Lurex Company Limited, 21st century Lurex can add ultra-softness to it’s original advantages of brilliance and iridescence.
Vintage Lurex Fashions
Lurex fabrics and fashions began turning heads back in the 60’s and 70’s when designers such as Rudi Gernreich, Oscar de la Renta, Yves Saint Laurant and later Giannini Versace and Philippe Gaultier traded sequins for the flashy threads of Lurex. They were woven into knits and embroidered onto fabrics.
On the Fashion Radar
Today, designers bringing back the vintage glam of Lurex include Oscar de la Renta, Alex Wang, Miuccia Prada, Vero Moda, Missoni, Nichole Miller, Chloe and many others. Even casual, comfortable sweaters and slacks shine as elegant evening-wear – nothing short of hot stuff. Of course the prices are hot as well; enough to burn through your coolest wallet.
Vintage Lurex Fashions Are Also in the Radar
If you’re the type who never throws out anything that still fits, you may find a few vintage Lurex items in your own wardrobe. I still have a very cool Rudi Gernreich knit gown with Lurex gold polka dots. (I inherited it from my Mom), but I’m kicking myself for tossing away some ultra-cool purple Lurex iridescent disco pants from the 80’s that are now back in style.
Check out E-Bay
Vintage Lurex tops, cocktail dresses, gowns, sweaters, even cummerbunds, handbags and bathing suits from the 60’s, and 70’s are out there on eBay for auction at reasonable bid prices. They’re going fast, as the trend continues to emerge as one of this season’s hottest items. Here are just a few examples:
Everything Old is New Again
The old cliche “what goes around, comes around” is undeniably true, especially in the world of fashion. Thanks to savvy collectors and on-line sites such as eBay and Etsy, fashion's treasures are still attainable. Thanks to creative modern designers, timeless trends are back with cutting-edge sophistication and sparkle.
