GET YOUR NE-ON

Christian Dior Couture Spring 2007

Costume International Spring 2007

Thakoon Spring 2007

Fendi Spring 2007

Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2007

Neon. That one word conjures up a million different connotations. For those who lived in the 80's, it was all the rage to see just how many stretchy, bright, spandex-y clothing one could wear, in the gym and out. In a deserted landscape, a blinking neon sign welcomes visitors to Sin City. Punky teens mix and match snappy neon rubber bracelets with their chunky black combat boots and meander around the city looking for the next emo/indie/punk band to rock out to.

This past Spring Fashion Week, designers gave neon a new connotation. The creativity surged from the new concepts and forms that neon was incorporated into. They were all unexpected, yet somehow fit together perfectly. Whether streamlined or ornate, many shows abounded with flashy color, offering a wake-up call from the somber clothing of fall. Bright, futuristic mesh was layered over basic black at Fendi. Emanuel Ungaro turned the goddess gown upside down by designing his in a fluorescent spectrum. The Christian Dior Spring Couture show included a gorgeously layered, ruffled gown that faded from pastel seafoam to almost glaring chartreuse, like watercolor on an acid trip.

So how do you wear neon without looking like a Las Vegas casino sign? Even though designers went to the extreme, it doesn't mean that you have to. You can integrate neon into your wardrobe in small doses, whether that be a chunky bracelet, cool ring, or punchy shoes. If you find fluorescent to be too harsh, then you can ease into some highly-pigmented standard hues, like Cerulean Blue.

Remember, this trend is to be worn with confidence and humor, so have fun with it!

All runway pictures courtesy of http://www.style.com/