Pocket Protector

Continuing her obsession-with-detail series of posts, CC takes a look at POCKETS on this steamy Saturday. No longer are they simply slim, functional patches of fabric. Now, pockets are design elements in themselves. Where once pockets were reserved for casual wear, they are cropping up on couture!
CC adores pockets . . . they make every outfit, even a floor-length gown, more cosy and approachable. See how the pocket is treated on the runway!
Above:

Amaya Arzuaga pocket madness, via Spanish Vogue online

Left:

Christian Lacroix Couture pocketed gown
The pocket is nearly naked at Givenchy! This picture via nymag.com
Givenchy exposed lace pocket detail
Chanel Couture

Fendi kangaroo pouch

Jean Paul Gaultier fan pockets, Spring 2008

Richard Nicoll pocketed tunic pantsuit, via vogue.com/fr

Temperley London

Zippered pockets at Rodarte; photo courtesy nymag.com

Michael Kors pocketed gold brocade gown

The resort vibe is all the more evident in these pocketed frocks!

Roberto Cavalli Resort 2009

Gucci Resort 2009

Hidden on-seam pockets at Rachel Roy Resort 2009
Even sweaters get the pocket treatment, as at Rebecca Taylor

In the stores . . .

Pockets are lots of fun when they pop up in unexpected places, as with this Vera Wang Lavender cropped faille jacket.

Visit net-a-porter.com to buy.

Where dresses once were streamlined and straightlaced, they are now imbued with a more casual feel . . .

Happie Loves It bow back pocket zebra dress, at asos.com

Side pocket v-neck tank dress, at alloy.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs heart print dress, at Neiman Marcus

Mulberry mixed panel dress with multiple zippered pockets and patch pockets! At net-a-porter.com.
T-Bags print off shoulder dress with rounded hip pockets. Visit shopbop.com

For the truly daring, who aren't afraid of making the pocket an architectural, attention-grabbing element, there is this lovely Chloe side pocket dress. Go to net-a-porter.com.

American Apparel striped pocket front dress $41.00

Fashion credits: Runway photos in this post, including detail shots, courtesy style.com except where otherwise credited.

OUT OF POCKET

[Aside: I have a gal pal who uses the above phrase to describe being out of touch or flaking out - i.e., "sorry I've been out of pocket for so long . . ." - has anyone else heard of this?]

HOT POCKETS

No longer just for function, it seems, pockets are taking center stage on many designer creations! We've all heard of pocketed pants, jackets, even skirts - but gowns? Now that's a marsupial of a different color!

Jonathan Saunders created an arty look with the graphic gray and white patch pockets on this black shift dress (left). For purchase at intermixonline.com

J Mendel cleverly provided a luxurious armrest for the weary (yet stunning) model wearing this diaphanous dress (right). The effect of these oversize front pockets is less kangaroo and more fanciful bow tie. I think it is a lovely departure for such a traditional house; the playful pockets provide a nice counterpoint to the austerity of the strapless neckline.

At Diesel, wide side pockets on a skirted jumper added interest (but unflattering bulk, I daresay). J Mendel and Diesel photos via nymag.com/fashion.

The Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2008 Couture Collection put the focus on details such as these fan pockets. This gorgeous detail image is courtesy of the amazing photographers at style.com, who capture the nuances of all the couture shows - merci!