Style Drama - Edward Quan
Black and white fashion trend continues into summer
By Edward Quan
May 22, 2014 - 11:17:32 AM

Diane von Furstenburg

The black and white trend revival continues this summer as designers have brought back a monochrome look from the 60’s, playing with patterns and geometrics while adding a touch of fine detailing.

I first reported on this trend in February 2013, when I covered Marc Jacobs’ Louis Vuitton spring summer collection use of dramatic contrasting stripes, and checks such as the giant houndstooth, and other unique patterns such as animal and snake skin.

The origins of the black and white trend take us back to 1930 with Marlene Dietrich’s performance in the American romance film Morocco, where she wore a men’s tuxedo alongside Gary Cooper and Adolphe Menjou.

Marlene Dietrich played the role of a cabaret singer hiding from her mysterious past, and she dances, sings and even seduces men such as Gary Cooper while wearing her tuxedo. When the film was first released, the general public were in shock as women had never worn pants before, let alone a tuxedo.

The black and white trend began with Marlene Dietrich’s iconic black and white tuxedo in the 1930 American romantic film Morocco. Photo: Paramount

It was the beginning of a new era of black and white fashion for women, bold, classic and very memorable.

For summer Diane von Furstenberg dressed one of her runway models from head to toe in zebra stripes, a look that will take you from day to evening without missing a beat.

I love the all-American-girl look by Ralph Lauren with his geometric ready-to-wear dresses, perfect for your next summer patio party.

Hit the pool with Caroline Herrera’s sensual black and white bikini with a touch of sheer which will certainly catch the eye.

At the end of Morocco, Marlene Dietrich’s character must choose between the comfort of Adolphe Menjou’s money or the love she feels for Gary Cooper, a poor French legionnaire.  Think Marlene Dietrich and go bold this summer, with black and white, for the warm days ahead.



About the Author: Experienced luxury fashion buyer Edward Quan has worked with the most prestigious designer brands across Europe and America and shares his inspiration for effortless style on his website, StyleDrama.com. He has a passionate, yet intelligent way of describing his subject and has a keen eye for detail. He lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Designer Caroline Herrera heats up pool side with this flirty black and white bikini for summer 2014.

Ralph Lauren gives us a youthful collection of geometric black and white dresses for summer 2014.

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