In the alternative universe, metal studs are as classic as pearls. They're a constant: binding the wrists of rebellion-hungry Catholic schoolboys, choking the necks of hardcore punks and holding up the plaid skirts of Siouxsie Sioux wannabes show after show.
Within the world of high fashion, however, studs are about as common as cheap shoes.
This year, though, things could change, as several high-fashion houses are taking metal studs to the next level. For spring 2008, Dolce & Gabbana models stomped down the runway in studded heels, and Burberry, once a bastion of plaid elitism, has embraced studs like only a closet dominatrix could. The traditionally conservative label has a line (available at Nordstrom) that offers coats, shoes, bags and even umbrellas covered in shiny studs. When worn with items from previous seasons, these new offerings convey a mysterious Madonna-whore aesthetic, surely helping to liberate many a repressed lady who lunches across the country-club circuit.
Similarly, designer and stylist Patricia Field looks to bring metal studs back with her costume design for the upcoming “Sex and the City” movie. Promo shots reveal Sarah Jessica Parker in a green floral dress, her elfin waist bound tightly with a thick black ’80s-style belt covered in shiny cubes. In another scene she wears a similar belt with sharper studs; it's wrapped around a bright pink Jackie O number and paired with studded heels.
Though it’s tempting to label these efforts as lame as skull-emblazoned Hermes scarves, it’s probably best to just embrace the stud revival. It's only a matter of time before you’re cursing them for setting off airport metal detectors.
Studly Tips
Shoes: You could buy studded Burberry shoes for $940, or go to Hustler Hollywood on Sunset and buy something in the same family for less than $100.
Pants: Lil’ Kim has been spotted wearing metal-studded pants with her name spelled out in shiny letters on the rear. Interpret this as you will. For those with a name longer than their ass is wide, Henry Duarte’s designs—synonymous with rock stars such as Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz and Steven Tyler—are always adorned with metal chunks, though not in alphabetical formations.
Belts: Gladiators were among the first to ever wear studded belts. Future fighters followed their lead, using them to carry bullets. In the ’70s, punks and glam rockers turned to them for less utilitarian purposes, but nonetheless people still associated them with battle. In the ’80s studded belts continued to scare people, as women across America paired them with brightly colored power dresses and shoulder pads. In the past few years, Avril Lavigne and even Paris Hilton have offered their own twists on the look, wrapping cheap silver belts with large rectangular studs around expensive dresses. Kate Moss, however, likes a thick black one with barely protruding bronze studs—so much so that it’s part of her Top Shop line, available at Opening Ceremony.
Jewelry: Pointy studded cuffs made of real gold can be a good way for a man in a midlife crisis to indicate that he is ready to do young things again—without seeming poor. Less expensive versions of said accessory can be found at your local suburban Hot Topic store, though they might make you look older rather than younger.
Jackets: Gene Simmons has always been the king of studded jackets—his studs, of course, being so big and pointy they made him look like some sort of medieval rhinoceros. It is, however, the floor-length jacket with snakelike metal scales that is the item of the moment. Chrome Hearts on Robertson Boulevard, an outfitter of all things biker chic, would be the best place to start your search for a similarly styled coat.
The safest way to wear studs without looking like a fool: On leather gloves or a leather purse. Of course, if you're truly dedicated to being edgy, there’s nothing more audacious these days than wearing a strand of pearls.
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