Pretty metal! The metallics trend is having a major moment in fashion


Anything that gives off a sheen fits the trend. Photo: Balmain

It seems that the fashion industry is rather distracted with all things shiny at the moment. As seen on runways, the trend of metallics is huge this year.

Not just confined to silver and gold hues, it can be anything that has a sheen. Satin or lame fabric, for example, is used a lot by designers because of the glossy look.

This year's Cannes Film Festival saw celebrities embracing the metallic trend. Photo: Instagram/Elle FanningThis year's Cannes Film Festival saw celebrities embracing the metallic trend. Photo: Instagram/Elle FanningJust look at the current offerings by Balmain. There are plenty of designs that go with the metallic theme.

An almost iridescent bomber jacket, for instance, gives off that extra street swagger. As a versatile piece, it can transition from day to night.

Dresses that shimmer or shirts that glitter are also a wardrobe must-have.

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Michael Kors showed a number of gilt looks on the runway for Spring/Summer 2023. These outfits dazzled under the spotlights.

But why stop there? You can also accessorise to keep to the metallic theme.

In Steve Madden’s current collection, there are different shoes that have been given sort of a tin foil treatment.

Whether a pair of loafers or just sneakers, they look like they belong under a disco ball – the sort of footwear you would wear to go dancing in a nightclub.

Metallic bags are also exploding onto the scene. There is the Marc Jacobs J Marc Mini shoulder bag, which is just too cute.

Celebrities have been seen on the streets with such bags too.

Jennifer Lopez has been photographed in the past carrying a silver Jimmy Choo bucket bag. Kendall Jenner stepped out with a Prada Cleo bag, which boasted a glossy sheen.

Even something classic like a double-breasted jacket can be given the metallic treatment. Photo: Instagram/Dolce & GabbanaEven something classic like a double-breasted jacket can be given the metallic treatment. Photo: Instagram/Dolce & GabbanaOn the red carpets, the trend is even more obvious.

Elle Fanning proved to be a fan of metallics at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in May. She kicked it off at the opening ceremony with an Alexander McQueen design, featuring a deconstructed silver orchid embellishment around the waist.

The metallic decoration was the focal point of the dress.

“My jaw is still on the floor over each stone beaded by hand and the fact she did this for me!” Fanning gushed on Instagram, about the work done by the label’s creative director, Sarah Burton.

There is also the Paco Rabanne dress made out of silver feathers that she wore for another day. With a barely-there bodice, it certainly turned heads.

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At the Oscars in March, metallic-looking outfits were a favourite as well.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai wore a silver Ralph Lauren dress that came with a hood.

Sigourney Weaver glowed with a gold figure-hugging Givenchy gown, while Cate Blanchett paired a metallic blue Louis Vuitton top with a black tailored skirt.

It is not just the women too. Dwayne Johnson opted for a metallic pink blazer by Dolce & Gabbana.

All of them shined – which was hard not to, seeing that they sparkled as cameras flashed.

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