IT’S A WRAP : The Season’s Strongest Statement Is the Soft, Sensual Sarong

Once in a while, a style message seems to have been carried on the wind to every designer, magically appearing in most collections and in all price ranges. Right now, it’s the soft, sensual sarong that is making the season’s strongest fashion statement.

The sarong arrived on the scene a few years ago but failed as a wearable shape because it was difficult to tie and even more difficult to keep closed. This year, designers have redrawn the sarong: Now it is often a pre-tied skirt disguised with exotic draping.

Sitting, walking and tying problems now solved, women are taking to sarongs. It’s the shape that can update last year’s jacket, shirt, T-shirt or bodysuit. Designed for career, evening and casual wear, it sets off classical tailoring by adding a lightly exotic note. The one fashion move to make this season is simple: Wrap up a sarong.

Styled by Ladan Sheybani; assistant stylist, Andrea Breslin; hair by Katharina, all for Celestine/Cloutier. Make-up by Marine Guillemot for Zenobia.