All-over sequin looks, in every fashion category, always adds the perfect pop and sparkle to the holidays. While fashions adoration for the dot-sized appliqué pre-dates the modern fashion industry, it remains a perennial favorite for end-of-year party season dressing. Sequined silhouettes – from extravagant dresses to pajama-style ensembles – have made recurring appearances on the fashion runways – especially on the New York designer front, and for decades.
The trend reached chic status in 1960s when fashion designer Norman Norell modernized the look with his body-hugging, ankle-length sequined sheaths, expertly crafted in magnetic colors from red, silver, gold, green and other striking hues. Dubbed “mermaid” dresses, they were beloved by socialites and celebrities alike and remain iconic to this day. Norell once told WWD, “If you’re going out at night…wear something that explodes,” referring to his dazzling creations, which have inspired countless party moments since.
Related Articles
In the 1970s, Halston kept the party alive in his luxe, bias-cut sequined pajamas, caftans, and cashmere-embellished sequined silhouettes, frequently worn by Liza Minelli. Around the same time, Oscar de la Renta sent floor-skimming shirt dresses down the runway, while Stephen Burrows gave sequins a sporty edge in wrap-styles blouses and dresses – perfect for transitioning from work to cocktail parties in the era.
You May Also Like
Bob Mackie would make everything sparkle in the mid-1980s, while Donna Karan added her vision in sequin pieces that captured her signature blend of casual glamour that transitioned effortlessly from day to night.
By the 1990s, sequined looks embodied a timeless elegance in designs from Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. Klein sending a gold V-neck t-shirt dress down the runway for fall 1991, famously worn by Cindy Crawford, creating an unforgettable moment for the season.
In the 2000s, Michael Kors expanded his love for lush, sequined looks, showcasing them across a variety of categories. For his brand’s 40th anniversary collection, he brought back his version of the floor- length, all-over sequin sheath dresses. Sending them down the runway on the streets of Broadway in tribute to New York City and the Theater District. Other notable designers, including Monique Lhuillier, Marc Jacobs, Laquan Smith and Sergio Hudson, have continued the tradition of creating fashionable sequin silhouettes and accessories, making then timeless.
From classic to contemporary, fashions enduring love for the shine and sparkle of sequins cements its place as the festive choice for end-of-year celebrations.