Fantastic [Clear] Plastic

In July of '07, Robert Basler of Reuters declared that clear plastic was going to be 'the new black leather.' Two months later, he was beside himself when he saw the Agatha Ruiz de la Prada boots (pictured above), praising the fashion world for actually "paying attention to our practical needs." (Jokingly, of course) The best words uttered by Basler in relation to clear plastic [specifically the aforementioned boots] were these:

"And once that first speeding taxi zooms through a mud puddle and splashes you, you’ll have filthy sewer water visible up to your calves, maybe with worms and spiders and old bagels floating there, too. Your friends will watch the show like some bad screensaver, while your marinating toes turn to Raisinets. But hey, small price to pay for fashion, right?"

Gross, but true. I actually cracked a smile when I read it.

Enrico Coveri, Spring 2009

But alas, Spring '09 collections have sprung, and with them are above-the-knee clear plastic creations -- some tasteful, some dreadful. (Basler was actually onto something!) And while plastic won't be replacing black leather any time soon, it may eventually give it a run for it's money. (Seriously, wait until you see the black plastic garbage bag fashions. It will take your breath away, the same way getting kicked in the stomach takes your breath away!)

So, for those of you that associate clear plastic with grandmas and fetish clubs, I give you more ready-to-wear plastic creations:

Emma Cook, Spring 2009

Chanel, Resort 2009

Proenza Schouler, Spring 2009

Manoush Plastic Lace Jacket at yoox.com

Emma Cook, Spring 2009