Nineties Mesh is Back
From cut-outs to cropped tops, today’s trends are not afraid to show a little skin. Mesh garments are spreading throughout pop culture. The silhouettes reserved for mesh fabrics cling to the body and accentuate curves of all body shapes and sizes allowing anyone to give this popular trend a try. The artistic capabilities of mesh are amazing and some designers are taking full advantage of this singular material.
COURTESY OF VOGUE
Glen Martens SS 2022
Celebrities like SZA, Kendall Jenner, and Dua Lipa have been seen wearing the artistic mesh designs by Lisa Danbi Park. Her mesh tops and gloves have beautifully artistic prints that look nearly painted on the skin when worn. Another brand that takes a different perspective on mesh is Clan. Founded by Ana Larruy, Clan, is a brand that combines art forms. As a photographer, Larruy takes images and prints them on clothing, including mesh. By using leftover remnants from other designs, Larruy creates “off-cuts” including mesh tank tops with close-up photographs of faces printed onto the tops. Vintage mesh pieces are also being snatched up on resale platforms. Jean Paul Gaultier’s 90s era mesh designs are selling at high prices, and recent collections on the runway have been paying tribute to Gaultier’s mesh designs.
Mesh tops have been popping up all over social media on celebrities and influencers, and the styling possibilities are endless. Mesh is definitely more of a statement than simple layering basics, which allows for more opportunities to incorporate creativity into any look. One way to style a skin tight mesh turtleneck is to layer it underneath, or over, a slip dress. Or for a more casual look, throw on a jacket or sweater vest and let the mesh top peek through; this style would be perfect for transitional seasons. For an edgier look, try putting on a bralette under a mesh top. The best part of mesh is that you can play with different prints and patterns that no matter what will be flattering on anybody. This year as the winter fades and spring sets in, it is guaranteed to see more and more mesh out on the streets.
COURTESY OF TARA HAKIN
Sheer mesh is one of many nineties trends that have come back, and it may be one of the best trends to reemerge in the past few years. Besides tops, mesh can come in all different forms: dresses, hoodies, gloves, and even socks. If you’re looking to make more of a statement with mesh, designer brand Saint Sintra has mesh pieces including the Bow Applique Skirt which gives off delicate ballerina vibes and the Mesh Crystal Starburst Sport Skirt Midi which has a delicate sporty vibe. Saint Sintra alone shows all the creative possibilities that mesh offers.
If there’s any piece that should make a new addition to your closet this year, it is the versatile sheer mesh top. Layering is key during the cold weather months and even during the transition between seasons. Mesh will be the answer to all your seasonal styling needs this year.