FALL 2011 TREND ALERT: OBI BELTS

There has been one trend that I am dying to talk about and it’s the OBI BELT. I have been seeing Asian influences everywhere for a few seasons now. The aesthetic itself is so elegant and is comprised of great silhouettes and colors. At couture, with Armani Prive presenting Japanese inspired floral prints, lush velvet tube dresses, and using the obi-belt as a major accessory, the Asian trend is officially blowing through the fashion world in full force.

Armani Prive F/W 2011 Couture

Armani Prive F/W 2011 Couture

Armani Prive F/W 2011 Couture

I first saw the Obi belt popping up everywhere on the Spring runways with notable options from Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Haider Ackermann.  And for Fall, the waist defining accessory, or as I call it, the “Asian corset”, continues to dominate and emerges as a major Fall accessory. Designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Druo Olowu, Prabal Gurung, and Andrew Gn used it to belt not only robe-style garments but also updated the look using it to belt jackets and shirts, thus diversifying the accessory and widening its appeal. The Obi is probably the easiest way this Fall to play up the Asian trend as it gives a distinct silhouette that is both flattering and a great way to accompany all the heavy layers we will soon be piling onto ourselves.

Here are some great Fall Styles:

Duro Olowu F/W 2011 RTW

Prabal Gurung F/W 2011 RTW

DVF F/W 2011 RTW

Halston F/W 2011 RTW

Roland Mouret F/W 2011 RW

Andrew Gn F/W 2011 RTW

Fatima Lopes F/W 2011 RTW

The style is translating well into the contemporary market also, here are some amazing and affordable examples from brands such as Imitation and Corey Lynn Calter, an obi over a cool jumpsuit is the perfect way to dress it up for a party.

Imitation F/W 2011

Corey Lynn Calter F/W 2011 RTW

And the trend can be seen in resort collections such as Marc by Marc Jacobs, DKNY, and Preen. Once all the florals arrive for Spring 2012, expect to see the Obi or the general Asian trend continue to blow through the runways.