Cursi

A cryptic fashion message for today:

The Great Balenciaga had a word to define his opposition: cursi.

Cursi was Cristobal's catchword for what he considered commonplace and unrefined. But it is also a great irony, for all successful trends become "cursi":

1980's "Power Suit" for women: when will we finally acknowledge that the big bow blouse with jacket/skirt derives from YSL's couture?

1960's "Space Age" couture: all derived from Balenciaga's late stage.

These were so successful in their time that the fashion edge is completely gone.

A lesson for designers now and for the future: make the the commonplace and unrefined your friend. Ultra-refined elegance can last but only so long before it gets reproduced to death.

- AP