Left to right: Missoni F/W 12, Prabal Gurung S/S 12, Carlos Miele S/S 12
The swish and swirl of marbling is an exquisite classic. From nails to shoes to interiors, marbling is the print of the moment. With its cracked and swirled illusory appeal, you’ll be sure to fall for its charms in any form.
Perhaps you might associate marbling with summer camp art class, but fear not, marbling can be a fascinating, and surprisingly sophisticated craft.
Stella McCartney F/W 12 Evening Wear Collection
A simple definition of marbling is that it is the art of floating paints on thickened liquid or water, decorating a pattern, and making a contact print on fabric or paper.
Its organic formation with fluid lines has a dramatic, eye-catching effect, which perfectly complements the underwater trend that rocked the runways this season.
For summer, a number of designers, such as Carlos Miele, Emporio Armani, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler and Costello Tagliapietra, executed the print to perfection in soft pastel hues, vivid colors and delicate drapes on kaftans, skirts, jumpsuits and airy dresses.
The trend is to continue its vivacious reign into fall with looks from Stella McCartney, who covered heels, jackets and voluminous silk skirts with marbled flowing lines in tangerines and deep blues for her F/W 12 evening wear collection.
Other designers who showcased spectacular variations on the craft for fall include Missoni and Kenzo.
Check out our faves below and style yourself in swirl with this season’s marbling trend.
