Today we are giving a lesson on the trend for sheer fabrics and transparent layers that came up from the SS10 catwalks and our favourite designers including Alber Elbaz and Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel. You might normally avoid clothing of the see-through variety because it's so, well, revealing (warning: model boobs ahead). But fear not - there are so many creative, beautiful and subtle ways to do it - the key is all in layering, accessorizing and underwear. Take notes from these looks and imagine the fun you'll have messing about with tulle and chiffon this summer...
Lanvin - Note the chunky gold chain sitting under rippling sheer fabric - loving this as a new way to showcase accessories.
Jonathan Saunders shows us a more subtle and wearable way to do transparency. Sheer paneling is the easiest way to embrace the trend without revealing too much.
Antonio Berardi - Me thinks ASOS may have been taking inspiration from this corseted piece. The heavy crystallised embellishments are masterful.
Chanel - Holy jeez this is gorgeous - all those lengths of chiffon billowing in the model's wake.
John Galliano at his theatrical best. Long sheer dresses were the most popular way to show the transparency trend on the SS10 catwalk. Big (but sexy) pants vital.
Giles - Patterned leggings would increase the wearability of this fierce and fabulous dress tenfold.
Alexander McQueen - A true artiste no? All those translucent ripples and folds are bubble-like. It's all very sci-fi.
Prada - This fabric holds its shape beautifully, creating a clean modern version of transparency.
Valentino - Barely there lace netted trousers? They're not classically Valentino, but these layers of wispy fabrics are looking really fresh and pretty. The Fashion Editor at Large loves this!
Prada owned the transparency trend, even extending the see-through theme to a whole season's worth of great accessories. Can't wait to wear..
Prada - At the press day we discovered this bag was inspired by chandeliers which play with light and throw out rainbow reflections (it comes with an opaque inner bag to keep your valuables hidden). Truly lovely.
Chanel prove sheer can be innocent. Wrapping yourself in a chiffon wrap like this is an easy and economical way to tap into the trend.
Love Sex Money - Don't know this label but this looks so sexy, and the styling is great with the multi-strap platforms, the looped leather belt and the satin shorts. You would have to have a stomach like Britney circa 2002 to wear sheer fabric as clingy as this though. A little black vest is essential.
Giles - How playful was Giles feeling this season? Hoop underskirt, berzerk tulle upper, and fem-bot bustier = pure genius.
Photos courtesy of Catwalking.com / Chris Moore
