How to wear celestial prints
Look to the stars for inspiration this season, writes Meadhbh McGrath
As our world grows ever more chaotic and digitally focused, designers are looking to the skies for inspiration.
The astrological craze kicked off in the autumn-winter collections. Chanel staged its show around a branded spacecraft complete with mock lift-off, while models were decked out in silver quilted blankets, sparkly space boots and astronaut prints.
Elsewhere, the look was moody and romantic. Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri explored the cosmos in her collection, with evening gowns intricately decorated like a midnight sky, adorned with silver-embroidered stars and the phases of the moon.
Chiuri was inspired by Christian
Dior’s own superstitions — the legendary designer regularly visited clairvoyants and was said to have his cards read before each show, as well as using talismans like the number eight (he founded his design house in Paris’s eighth arrondissement on October 8) and lily of the valley
(which he carried year-round).
Since joining the label in 2016, Chiuri has revisited these motifs in many of her designs, and for Resort 2018, she embroidered ethereal gowns with tarot illustrations and painted them on leather handbags.
We usually associate fortune-telling with a spaced-out lady in a dusty occult shop, but astrology and tarot are having a major moment.
Card readers were enlisted for a glamorous post-show party in Paris to mark Clare Waight Keller’s first collection for Givenchy, sales of tarot cards were up 30pc in 2017 (the highest in 50 years), and the trend is set to continue: Dolce & Gabbana presented an off-the-shoulder gown covered in cards for spring, while mystical symbols and sparkling constellations popped up at Anna Sui, Dries Van Noten and buzzy New York label Monse.
The boom has been linked to the current political climate, which grows more unpredictable by the week. Astrology allows us to tap into something timeless and reflect on our own place in the present moment.
Fashion’s love affair with starry prints and Space Age motifs seemed particularly fitting as Star Wars fever gripped the nation. According to Irish box office figures, The Last Jedi was the second most popular film of the year, despite being released in the middle of December, and lead actress Daisy Ridley ( far left) embraced the astrological trend for the film’s premiere in a dazzling sequinned Monse gown.
Off the red carpet, there are plenty of options for stargazers on the high street. For a more low-key take on the look, follow Kate Bosworth’s lead (left) and try an all-over printed dress with ankle boots, or amplify the look with one of Rixo London’s cool vintage-inspired prints.
Liven up a pair of kick-flare jeans with a blouse covered in moons and stars, or swap your regular denim for Next’s star-embellished pair.
Chinti and Parker’s cashmere star jumpers are hugely popular, counting Alexa Chung, Katie Holmes and Julia Roberts as fans. This season’s red design, when worn with an on-trend pair of side stripe trousers, is the perfect blend of laid-back luxe.
If you’d rather start small, there’s no shortage of starry accessories to get started — we love Accessorize’s star-studded beret for a sprinkling of celestial magic.