Fused Magazine - ZIP ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO

An ordinary closure becomes the latest designer decorative muse. So you may usually be on the defensive when told to to zip it – but this summer, it’s a style directive you’ll definitely want to follow. Yes, it’s time to put a zip in it and channel Siouxsie Sioux circa 1977. Zippers are popping up in some pretty unexpected places, and the effect is a tough-chic look almost anyone looks good in. Who’d have though that the humble fastening could this much of a stir?

When edgy punks stormed the catwalks of Spring/Summer ‘09 the key feature on almost every piece was the zip. A slew of celebrity hipsters have embraced the look zipping up in tailored looks with chunky fasteners. Zips have been spotted everywhere on the runways from Peter Pilotto to Phillip Lim. Alexander Wang sent his models down the catwalk dressed in a reconstructed off-duty style.

At Balmain, the look was pure glam punk with zipped up jeans and chainmail a-go-go. While at Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati went all-out ziptastic with chunky brass zips cutting through coats and skirts, oversize zip teeth on platform boots and ruffled zip clutches. You needn’t go all out, just use zips to give a renewed edge to your style and toughen up classic pieces like jumper dresses, boots and jackets. (Below: Zip sweatshirt, £42, Urban Outfitters).

Despite its pure functionality, the zip effect is in fact one of the oldest fashion tricks in the book. Not only is it a quick and handy way to bring definition and shape to almost any garment, it’s clean industrial look renders it a striking staple in its own right among punks and avant guardians alike. Even the simplest basics get a cool dose of downtown edge with the addition of an exposed zip. When working the zip effect, ensure that you keep things simple: With diagonal front zips don’t confuse things by adding long necklaces – let the zip take pride of place. On the same point, avoid metallic accessories and stick to block colour separates as an exposed zip is enough metalwork. (Zip vent minidress, £25, Lipsy / Zip front satin vest top £22 and Denim zip dress, £45 Miss Selfridge)

This is clearly a trend with an, ahem, zip code set to stay on our fashion radar. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s Autumun/Winter ‘09 show featured zip sleeves, skirts and pockets – and they were all on one dress. (Below: Tiered zip crop top, £25, Topshop)