Peplum, Pannier and designer curves!

Dionna Young • Gleaner Writer

Va-va-voom will be the ultimate first words that spring to mind with this next trend for fall. It's all about creating nipped-in illusions, peplums, panniers and adding to the hips for a seductive, eye-catching impact.

For decades, the envious size 0 was celebrated on runways across the world by designers, but fashion, as of late, has been moving in a new direction. Thanks to celebrities like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Lisa Ray among others, who are boasting their highly curvaceous bodies, celebrating these curves is making a fashionable comeback for this fall 2012, and it's sending out a curvaceous message for all to hear: sculptured cuts tucked in at the waists, and trimmed lines to create a Coca-Cola illusion are most definitely on trend. While we can acknowledge that not all are blessed with the gift of curves, this new trend is one that any woman can contentedly and comfortably wear; regardless of size, shape, height or hair colour (which we all know, sadly not everyone takes into consideration when matching with their garment staples).

It's all about emphasising the attributes that have naturally been bestowed on you and turning up the notch tenfold. This trend separates provocative statements from the subliminal messages and subtracts from girly cascades of frills and softly pleated skirts to basking in downright sex appeal. Undoubtedly, this is the trend for the woman who loves her curves and/or wants to enhance the curves she may or may not have.

Refer to Carven's nipped in, high-waist, cherry-red satin dress; Stella McCartney's super-curved waist-cut jackets, Hakaan's shiny metallic body-con dresses and Lanvin's plum-coloured turtleneck sweater. These are all great examples of creating the illusion of the hourglass figure. Also refer to Peter Pilotto's two-piece suits that hug the thighs and draw attention to your waist by completely sucking in to highlight those curves while trimming a few inches from the sides. To a certain extent, it's pretty much a woman's ultimate fashion trend dream. Just think about it: a trend that allows a woman to be a woman and trims in and cuts out the sections that you don't want instead of going under the dreaded knife.

So where does that leave us regarding the high-waisted belts that often accentuated those curves? Fear not, designs for fall, seen on the catwalk by Bottega Veneta, Burberry Prorsum and Haider Ackermann have you covered when it comes to high-waisted belts. But instead of wearing a garment accessory that detracts attention from your attire, these belts are less high-waisted and more fashion chic, with subtle narrower framed belts. Instead of squeezing in, these belts provide the same results but gently pull in and sit just under the waist.

Alexander McQueen and Kenzo opt for the opposite, using wider, reflective metallic and relatively reflective black leather belts on their models, creating an edgier image and, dare I say it, reflective of the toughened up 21st century attitude that we have towards feminine fashion. But remember the trick is to have it pulled in where it counts and is most effective, and that is at the waist. Don't get it confused with the whole stuffed pilchard look. Squashed-in walking, talking body bags equate lack of oxygen and movement ... this is an opportunity to complement your curves, not dive into the sea of exposure dressing. Remember the key buzzwords: hourglass, Coca-Cola bottles and you'll definitely be on the right track.

All in all, this is a trend that every woman, whether slim or voluptuous can easily work. This trend is about enjoying the skin you're in and gleefully thanking Mother Nature and maybe those delicious cupcakes too.