If you’ve been paying attention to the more macro trends in fashion, you’ll know that criticizing synthetic fabrics is a thing. Fashion people really care now about the composition of their clothes. Polyester? ew. Acrylic? no way.
Éricka Suárez Weise | Cosas Magazine
Usually I’m on board with all that, but there are exceptions.
Like when a designer uses synthetic materials to actually come up with absolutely exquisite pieces instead of a dress or a pair of pants we can see any day on Amazon.
Case in point, the fashion label Weise, headed by Bolivian designer Éricka Suárez Weise.
Weise | Moda Operandi
The particular ensemble is made with polyester tulle though it is trimmed with silk. Despite its fabric composition, the silhouette of the top is inventive and playful and the shredded, fringe effect of the skirt stands out to the point where you could just wear it with a plain white tee and still make a fashion statement.
polyester tulle: a lightweight, fine, and sheer netting fabric made from synthetic polyester fibers; meant to mimic silk tulle.
Weise | Moda Operandi
This dress is composed of 100% polyester tulle, however the ombré color effect paired with the tiered, shorn/pleated quality of the fabric makes it more interesting than an average evening dress. Plus, you gotta love a train. (Okay, I love a train). And the straps on the back are decorated with purple sequins…surprises you a in a good way.
Weise | Moda Operandi
Weise | Moda Operandi
↑ 100% polyester tulle and yes x 100. You can almost feel the texture…the swirl and the wave patterns…and the pop of gold sequins is tastefully applied on one side and at the upper back part.
Compare this to another polyester gown, which is quite nice, but, for being nearly five thousand dollars, could use a more interesting silhouette or unique design elements.
Jenny Packham | Farfetch
Weise | Moda Operandi
Weise includes fascinating elements in her designs, from colors to styles to textures to movement.
This particular gown goes from a crisscross of tulle strips at the bodice and the skirt to this layered and feathery effect at the hem. Weise | Moda Operandi
None of these are like the flat, ordinary clothes synthetic-phobes are justified in criticizing. Some might still dislike the designs from Weise or others because of their fabric compositions. I nevertheless think there’s a case that can be made to excuse outliers.
Of course, top quality should always comprise clothes made well and/or artistically, with the best materials.
In the case of Weise, when they’re not made with the best materials, saying something fresh and interesting through the language of design is the next best thing.