Unzipped

Zip it good!

We knew it was going to be major (thanks, Vicky Becks) when we saw Christian Louboutin’s zippered platform sandals, in both black and white, splashed all over the pages of Nylon, Vogue, etc. this spring. Now it’s official: the zipper is no longer merely functional, but an adornment indispensable to designers. It may even take center stage, an objet in itself, as with this Toyme necklace, at aplusrstore.com.

First up on the zipping block: dresses. What Couture Carrie appreciates most about this exposed zipper trend is its edginess: it gives potentially fussy frocks a more casual vibe.

This cobalt blue McQ by Alexander McQueen bubble hem dress is a summer stunner! Go to chickdowntown.com to buy.

Another delicious bright is this raspberry-hued Development dress with zippered front pockets and cowl neck, for purchase at online fashion mecca Net-a-Porter. The drawstring hem lends a cosy feel, yes?

There is never a shortage of LBDs out there, but these ones are made interesting by their zipper details.

At right, Donna Karan's sexy chiffon-sleeve sheath, available at Neiman Marcus.

At left, Jay Godfrey's zipper shift dress. Go to intermixonline.com to buy.

On the runways, the recent zip-happy standouts were Givenchy and Wunderkind. The Givenchy Couture Spring 2008 show was awash with white. The asymmetrical fitted jacket at left encapsulates the chic, tailored vibe. Minus the feathers, this elegant topper could happily go from runway to real life, paired with a lovely full skirt and strappy sandals.

The asymmetrical zip in a totally different incarnation? At right, the quilted jacket gets a punk makeover, with Wunderkind's comfy car coat.
The exposed zipper can be a bit more subtle . . . but still intentional. Rather than using an invisible side zip or a blending black, Domenico and Stefano chose sparkling silver, with a black-accented pull for the D&G ruched top (shown at right and available at neimanmarcus.com).
If you prefer the zippers on your clothes to be merely functional and safely "behind the seams" but still want to partake of the trend, there are myriad options in accessories.

Couture Carrie did a double-take on seeing this Emporio Armani leather and brass cuff . . . at first it just looked like a bunch of Mary-Kate silver bangles, but on closer inspection, CC realized: it's actually the guts of a handful of zippers - brills! Photo via elle.com.

Up the wearability factor on neon leggings by opting for a zippered-ankle pair. Couture Carrie is loving these LNA tights (left), available in a barrage of brights at shopbop.com.

If you prefer to leave the 80s behind but still want the look, go for the slate gray version at right, for purchase at lolaymaria.com.

Zippers leave mere functionality by the wayside with this chocolate leather and suede Jimmy Choo Mona tote. Go to neimanmarcus.com.

Laces and elastic are SO last season. Zipper-closing booties are the way to go. Just check out the biker-chick chic of the aptly named Christian Louboutin Zipette! These open-toe platform hybrids are available for purchase at Barneys New York.

Boots get a zip-tastic makeover as well. Couture Carrie is positively smitten with these hidden platform patent leather Betsey Johnson boots. Photo at right courtesy elle.com.

In conclusion... what gives fashion zip is making the banal breathtaking. Just switch the context or placement of something as seemingly boring as the zipper (invented by Whitcomb Judson in 1893) and you have a fabulous new aesthetic!