...was singing his praises the legendary Rod Stewart. If only all men could sing, they would make a universal choir lauding the creator of mini.
The warm season is back and so are legs! After the long months of hiding your lower limbs under the layers of fabric, some knee-baring garb combined with a pair of nice legwear will be like a breath of fresh air to the sterner sex. And whether you want it or not, your legs will always be the object of men's intent gaze. So why not make the best out of it?
Spring 2005 is motley and eclectic! This season most leading designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Anna Sui and Marc Jacobs, highlight the beauty of female locomotives, bringing excitement and diversity to the hosiery industry. Ankle becomes the new erogenous zone as the fashion masters draw the eye to this area with tights, hose, fishnets, knee and ankle socks, leg warmers, and ribbon ties of every sort and kind.
"We're seeing legwear stronger than ever because of the intensity of the fashion cycle out there. In today's trends, there are no boundaries. It's open to anything and everything, and that drives hosiery," said Catrinel Popa, vice president of design and merchandising for Kayser-Roth Corporation, a leading manufacturer and distributor of legwear and apparel in the United States.
"What seems to be extremely new right now - and I can tell you it's nothing new in Europe - is color and texture," declared John Flynn, vice president of sales for the US division of Levante, an Italian legwear manufacturer.
"If you don't put any excitement into legwear, why are people surprised that consumers aren't excited by it?" he posed.
"The legs are half the anatomy or more. A woman can (technically) change half of her anatomy at a low price. She can change the look of one dress on many consecutive days by simply changing her legwear!"
The advent of modern feminine legwear fashion dates back to the beginning of the 18th century and correlates to the appearance of the hooped skirt. The first stockings were made using tram, crepe and sometimes organzine silk threads and were held in place either above or below the knee with garters. Around 1800 women took over men's tricots and gave rise to the first version of tights, made from wool or silk and sometimes adorned with precious embroidery.
Revolutionary fashion of the 1960s placed new emphasis on women's legs, bringing in colored and patterned legwear.
Today's fashion brings together the best of all epochs with a new original touch.
Fishnets are everywhere today and come in numerous variations. Traditional black fishnet hosiery will add glamour and chick to a pencil skirt, especially if paired with knee-high boots. For a more stylish and funky look, impart some color with a raspberry, turquoise, burgundy, or yellow pair, which will make a nice ensemble with a bright purse. You can also combine two pairs of nets in contrasting colors or wear a pair over opaque or sheer tights. Cute leg warmers worn over will keep you warm in chilly spring days.
The revival of the '80s has brought back cigarette pants, capri with ankle band and leggings. To make your legs look slimmer and longer, put on a pair of spikes. Leggings can be adorned with rhinestones or lace and work well with micro-minis and jersey dresses.
Don't forget about the significance of patterns this season. Tartan, argyle or multi-colored stripey tights will add the '70s flavor to your image. Wear argyle or Burberry-like check ankle socks with a tight skirt and high heels.
Get rid of boredom and monotony. This spring is flashy and imbued with joy of awaking life. So don't deny yourself the pleasure of being bright and outstanding. And be sure, your slender legs, graceful posture, and daring look will leave no man indifferent.