Monday 19 December 2011

Christmas Red Dress

Whenever we think of Christmas red comes to our mind, from the traditional plants such as Poinsettias and holly berries to Santa Claus, this warm colour permeates this festive period.


Vionnet (vogue.it)


Red is also the colour of passion, in the Greek and Roman mythology the red rose was closely tied with the goddess of love and to the present day it's the flower of choice for sending the strongest message of love.



Holly berries and Poinsettia


A male friend of mine once told me that a woman wearing a red dress sends out a clear message of sexual suggestiveness, this can also be said of red lips, but whether or not this is true, the power of red is undeniable.

Christian Louboutin's shoes would not be the same without its red-lacquered soles that have become his signature.


Christian Louboutin


In the 1980s romantic comedy The Woman in Red directed by Gene Wilder, Kelly LeBrock replays the classic scene wherein Marylin Monroe stands over the subway grate in her white dress to catch the rush of air as the train speeds through from the movie The Seven Year Itch.



Versace ad featuring Kelly LeBrock photographed by Richard Avedon, Vogue Italia July 1981 (vogue.it)


But Kelly LeBrock wears a red dress with matching underwear, making the scene so over the top that it becomes funny.



Christian Dior, Rouland Mouret and Diane Von Furstenberg (vogue.it)


Many designers embraced the Christmas spirit with a red dress, my favourite is from Antonio Berardi, it reminds me of the 70s hedonistic decadence and disco parties.



Karlie Kloss photographed by Terry Richardson (vogue.co.uk)


This particular dress was featured in different fashion editorials, Karlie Kloss was photographed by Terry Richardson for the November issue of British Vogue  and Eva Herzigova was photographed by Adam Whitehead and styled by Gianluca Longo for ES Magazine, also last month.



Eva Herzigova photographed by Adam Whitehead (thisislondon.co.uk)


But it's impossible to speak about red without mentioning Valentino, whose name is given to a vibrant scarlet, Natalia Vodianova was stunning at the Love Ball last July!



Valentino Garavani and Natalia Vodianova (harpersbazaar.com)

  
Another memorable red dress of this year's events was worn by Gisele Bundchen at the Met Ball in New York, from Alexander McQueen AW 2005 collection.



Gisele Bundchen (vogue.co.uk)


So be inspired and wear a red dress this Christmas, from Christian Dior to Vionnet, you're just spoilt for choice!



Marchesa and Jason Wu (vogue.it)



Other related Posts:
Shining Armour
Christmas Window Displays
The Best Coats for Winter