We first saw signs up geared-up girls during the Spring ready-to-wear collections, when Alexander McQueen‘s Sarah Burton presented warrior women donning arm-length gilded cuffs. This embrace of aggressive arm accessories re-emerged at the Spring Couture shows, where Chanel and Maison Martin Margiela proposed accouterments that exuded a “don’t mess with me” attitude. Karl’s girls complemented their trainers (and fanny packs) with elbow- (and knee-) pads at Chanel. And Margiela toughened up a pair of striped trousers with beaded temporary-tattoo sleeves. It may be abrasive (and potentially uncomfortable), but we’re welcoming this rebellious Couture trend with open arms.
