Spring-summer 2010 fashion trends: sheer genius

By Booth Moore, Los Angeles Times fashion critic

Designers made ample use of sheer fabric insets, panels and layers on the runway. Inspired by the elements, Donna Karan sent out slip skirts and body-clinging tops in stormy-colored, whisper-weight layers of gauze, and dresses draped in cloud-like whirls of tulle. Ralph Lauren layered featherweight, sheer white organdy trench coats and shirts over linen vests, pants and a double-layer cotton organdy pleated skirt.

Vera Wang’s collection of darkly romantic sheer layers, paired with candied jeweled bibs and spidery chain necklaces was more rock ‘n’ roll. A black gazar tuxedo vest was an ingenious piece, worn with a charcoal T-shirt and a sheer black organza skirt. Underneath, the model wore a pair of charcoal athletic shorts, similar to Spanx.

With all the sheer fabrics this season, we’ve seen Spanx-like foundations in several collections, including DKNY. (Spanx as outerwear — we’ll believe it when we see it.)  (Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times)