There will be heel to pay! Sorry ... It's a Lucite shoe, in case you didn't know.
OK, not really. But one of the newest trends in couture seems to be plastic, according to an email I just read.
From Paris to Milan and New York, plastics are showing up in a variety of innovative and unusual ways on the runway, including funky jewelry, 10-inch platform shoes (good luck with that, girls) and even sequined mini-dresses made from recycled plastic bottles.
Plastics and couture might not seem like an obvious fit, but the fact is that plastics have played a large role in fashion for decades. For example, plastics inspire designers' imaginations and allow artists to create pieces that are cutting-edge, on-trend, chic, affordable, even eco-friendly. Without plastic, we wouldn't have faux fur, and skinny jeans wouldn't have their stretch. Plastics also provide women with comfortable, smooth support under their favorite looks -- without plastic there would be no bras, Spanx or body shapers (and I know that would be a crime, right?).
Plastics Make it Possible, a program sponsored by the plastics industries of the American Chemistry Council, is partnering with Gen Art to create a nationwide design competition challenging new and established fashion designers to create two dynamic womenswear looks made from fabrics that include plastic-based fibers, such as chiffon, rayon, nylon and more.
Interested designers can submit their creations on tulsaworld.com/genartplasticscontest. The winner will receive a $10,000 prize and runway show at Gen Art's Fresh Faces event at Winter 2010 New York Fashion Week. All entries must be submitted by Dec. 1, and the winner will be announced Dec. 21.
But even if you're not a budding Versace or Armani, you can still get involved. Consumers can vote for their favorite looks through Dec. 15 by visiting the same Web site I just showed y'all.
To learn more about Plastics Make it Possible, visit tulsaworld.com/plasticsmakeitpossible.
Peace, love and plastic stuff ... xoxo
