Feathers have been featured in fashion since the beginning of time, but they’ve been mounting in popularity this year. 2018 is the year of the bird, at least where designers are concerned. From simple trim to entire skirts of down, designers have been getting creative with feathers. Let’s take a look at feathers this year, from couture to ready-to-wear.

Resort

Although Resort might be included in ready-to-wear, many see it as an elitist season, one meant for men and women traveling through Europe or galavanting across Asia while on summer holiday. Whether you find Resort to die for or you’re simply waiting for this antiquated season to pass, you can’t deny that it’s got style.  Andrew Gn’s stunning floor-length ensemble features a beautiful panel that ends with a feather flounce, perfect for gala events. David Koma shortens things up with a cocktail dress that features a flash of feathers slashed across the skirt, from hem to hip. Prada’s matching lounge pants and mock neck are ideal for cocktails after a long day at the beach, with an elegant feather cuff that mars magnificently with the sequin adornments.

Andrew Gn | Resort 2018

David Koma | Resort 2018

Prada | Resort 2018

Get ready for Resort with these fabrics:

2″ Gold Metallic Feather Fringe

Black and White 1 Ply Ostrich Feather Fringe – 6″

Ready-to-Wear

Ready-to-Wear is the main event, the two fashion months a year that everyone looks forward to. Dolce & Gabbana display why with a beautiful feather dress, reminiscent of a black swan. Mulberry’s Fall line was a personal favorite of mine, featuring maribou feathers throughout the collection. This Mulberry piece in questions shows socks and a skirt with feather trim that are absolutely marvelous. Osman featured a 2018 favorite by creating a beautiful feather cape, but delicate and powerful.

Dolce & Gabbana | Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear

Mulberry | Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear

Osman | Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear

Get ready to wear these feathers:

Purple Chandelle Turkey Feather Boa

Hot Pink Marabou Turkey Feather Boa

Couture

Couture is not for the faint of heart. Although many of the designs aren’t wearable, they are a form of art and often get filtered into ready-to-wear. Elie Saab’s beautiful gown reminds me of the twenties, with a full feather skirt and feathered shoulder pads. Ralph & Russo’s pantsuit is borderline presidential, the feather sleeves ideal for a state dinner. Valentino’s stunning, floor-length coat is belted beautifully with a fuschia ribbon, the epitome of a couture creature.

Elie Saab | Spring 2018 Couture

Ralph & Russo | Spring 2018 Couture

Valentino | Spring 2018 Couture

Get creative with these fabrics:

Brown Marabou Feather Scarf – 33″

Black and Lavender Marabou Scarf – 33″

Bridal

Blushing brides with a have a new element to play with, as designers adorned bridal gowns with feather trim. Inbal Dror’s feathers are quite subtle, simply lining the hem of this beautiful faux-wrap dress. On the other hand, Naeem Khan goes all in with a dress made entirely of feather fringe. Zuhair Murad expertly attaches feathers to the bottom of an opulent gown, bedecked with jewels and intricate embroidery.

Inbal Dror | Bridal Spring 2019

Naeem Khan | Bridal Spring 2019

Zuhair Murad | Bridal Spring 2019

Check out these fabulous feathers:

White Rainbow Marabou Turkey Feather Boa

White Chandelle Turkey Feather Boa

Where do you think feathers fit in the best? I love the bridal collections, but I’m definitely a sucker for couture.