Leather Fashion

For a long time the domain of aging bikers and fetishists in Paris clubs, now leather is coming back with all its force into fashion.

A soft, sexy; romantic and elegant material ideal for winter, leather is being used by designers such as Christopher Kane, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs among many others who are joining in this Winter's trend. And the high street shops are not being left behind. Ever since Victoria Beckham risked appearing wearing leather, Marks & Spencer claims to have increased by a good percentage the sales of its leather dresses online, and that is even before they showed the dresses in their shops!

This is because leather is a timeless material. So soft to the touch that is sensual in itself. When used for dresses, skirts and trousers, leather enhances the curves giving a voluptuous look. If you want to be noticed this winter, do not forget to stock up in some good leather items. Remember that leather clothing is also an investment, like vintage clothes. The trick in wearing leather is to know how to combine it and pair it to give you an elegant aloof look rather than the 80's rocker in disgrace look!

Leather is a material created through the tanning of hides and skins of animals, primarily cattle. The tanning process converts the skin into a durable, long-lasting and versatile natural material.

Know your leather.

The most common leathers used on clothing are :

• Patent leather is leather that has been given a high gloss finish, usually with a plastic coating.

• Napa leather, is chrome-tanned and is extremely soft and supple. Commonly found in higher quality wallets, toiletry kits, and other personal leather goods.

• Buckskin is a suede like leather that has been altered by a tanning process.

Leather trousers for this season are super-skinny. Look at Givenchy's collection. Leather trousers should be form-fitting except at the ankle. They are worn to show off your figure. Bear in mind that there is the "cigarette" style and the tregging.

Cigarette style leather trousers are best on tall women, worn with high heels and a top made of soft material.

The tregging (the new trend between a legging and a trouser) is more casual and can be worn like leggings with long sweaters that hide the hips and bottom. See Rihanna's photo on the right wearing a leather tregging during Paris fashion week.

The leather skirt is one of the warmest and most sexy items of clothing when it is worn with style. Wear it with incredible high heels and an understated one coloured silk blouse and you will be turning heads wherever you go. Leather is chic and it is soon becoming a winter essential.

Who can wear a leather skirt?

Unlike other items of clothing, leather does not forgive. Leather skirts look great on tall slender curvy shapes. The material clings to the body and accentuates the lower curves.

I find that the best style for a leather skirt is the one just above the knee. Too short a skirt and it will make you look slutty; too long and you will drown in it. Just a few centimetres above or under the knee are the ideal lengths for leather pencil skirts.

Usually leather skirts are for casual wear, teamed up with a sweater of soft material it looks great. The best colours are of course black, burgundy, brown, copper and milk. Although worn correctly -like in the photo under-, a red leather skirt can look very classy and elegant.

Don't:

DO NOT wear a leather garment with any other leather items, with the exception of shoes

Do:

Do choose a simple cut for leather items. Pure simple lines are best; the material is rich enough so you can choose simple cuts.

Take care of it - leather clothes need to be cleaned by a professional cleaner ONLY!

Do pair a leather jacket with a simple white t-shirt and dark jeans.

Do pair a leather jacket with a cocktail dress for night time to create a rock "n" roll look.

Sizing:

Leather cloths tend to be small, so it is better to try on one size bigger than your usual for a good fit.