Chunky. Oversized. And now, the houndstooth pattern. That's what the holidays are going to be like for 2022. This time, the traditional Scottish pattern comes alive in bigger prints and on a variety of textured fabrics. Coco Chanel, who wore the pattern elegantly in her signature black-and-white cardigan and skirt — strings of pearls a must — in the 1920s, would have, uhm, cringed a little. The print reserved for lady-like outfits has now been unencumbered to go all the way into streets and clubs.
But, hey, the tides of fashion are forever changing, and the fashion community — still recovering from the pandemic — is looking forward to a brave and new fashion scene where everything is relaxed and unrestrained.
It's anything but boring as prints, such as the houndstooth, grabbed the spotlight at the international Fall/Winter 2022 to 2023 shows. At Versace, the blown-up houndstooth print came in the form of an oversized coat worn over a sexy corset bodysuit and baggy jeans, or a mini skirt worn over latex leggings and black bodycon top.
Zara gives the Chanel silhouette a modern vibe with a collection that includes a mini-skirt matched with a knit cardigan, and a houndstooth checkered blazer with lapel collar and long sleeves with shoulder pads. Yes, shoulder pads — they're back. But that's for another story. Also in the Zara collection are jackets and dresses in colors like green, pink, and lilac.
French brand L'Agence offers the perfect cover -up for the cold season with its Xander Jacket. The definitive piece for houndstooth fans who want to retain the print's sophistication, the midi coat is cut with structured shoulders, tapered at the waist, and features textured fabric.
But, of course, the original houndstooth slayer, Chanel, keeps up with the times as it reincarnates the classic print in billowy jackets that can be worn over devil-may-care printed tops and pants, with houndstooth floppy hats, to boot — or, effortlessly over t-shirt, jeans, and fringed mini-skirts.
In Manila, the houndstooth trend has also trotted its way into various ready-to-wear shops and online fashion apps.
