It is a fact that, for some seasons, sleeves have stood out among so many other elements on the runway. Whether for their material, texture or shape, it is essential to think of the countless ways in which brands update the aesthetics of pieces investing only in changes made to their structures. Recently, I have seen a series of variations of the puffy, the classic models that emerged in the Romantic Period (14th century) and so symbolic in the 1980s. They have a cute appearance, vary between short and long lengths and, regardless of the look, are always the protagonists.
In recent times, the streets and fashion week presentations have been responsible for translating new ways of adding the trend to our daily lives – and not just reserving it for occasional visuals. There are everything from shirts, like the version I wore with oversized sleeves, to knit options, to leather tops. For the recently presented collections, designers bet on looks with urban touches, showing that the contrast of proportions “waist x sleeves” is one of the hits of the moment – and demystifying the whole idea of preserving voluminous sleeves just for the evening dress. Here, Camila and I have shown two ways to bring the trend into our daily and workwear routine. While she invested in the square neckline blouse and sleeve with three elastic markings (which makes the aesthetic even softer) for a cool summer look, I chose the medium sleeve shirt in length, but with a wide proportion in its structure.

DAS PASSARELAS PARA AS RUAS- MANGAS VOLUMOSAS camila coelho

During the last presentations, a multitude of examples of how to create fashionist combos. Wearing a cap and high waist shorts, Miu Miu invested in a modern girlie idea, bringing the structured cotton blouse with deep v-neckline and sculptural sleeves. In  French Isabel Marant, the leather and wool match gave a chic and bold tone to the all black top.

DAS PASSARELAS PARA AS RUAS- MANGAS VOLUMOSAS camila coelho

For Zimmermann, the contrast between the bulky shape and the floral print was the point of impact for the ensemble – and one of the evidences that wide sleeves and prints can be combined very well. As for Nicolas Ghesquière’s ever-architectural Louis Vuitton, the jumpsuit further highlights the grandeur of oversized long sleeves with its game of overlays.

DAS PASSARELAS PARA AS RUAS- MANGAS VOLUMOSAS camila coelho

For the ever-sophisticated Carolina Herrera, the mini-structured material shows that the “piece length x puffy sleeves” format can be a way to explore the lady like aesthetics in a renewed way and without losing delicacy. At Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli is a fan of exploring and creating compositions of beads that mix volume and chic details, such as pleats, frills and ruffles.

In addition to having so much history to tell, they are elegant, versatile and contemporary. It’s so special when fashion manages to present transformative details in the productions and make them even more attractive. If in the past they were decorative, now it’s the turn of voluminous sleeves to showcase their space in casual looks and in the incredible ways they are increasingly present in our routine.

XoXo, Alice.