NEW YORK -- Grace Kelly knew it, Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, too. The twin-set embodies timeless elegance. There are some clothes that always feel right and look great regardless of whatever else is going on in fashion. Certain classic pieces such as a simple, short-sleeved or sleeveless shell worn with a matching, button-down cardigan never really go out of date.
This past Spring, some spectators were surprised when American designers sent models down the runway dressed not as cyber-punks, or medieval princesses, but as proper young ladies. Though the apparel industry's current fascination with "glamour girl" chic was undoubtedly inspired by the casual style of '50s icons, the enduring appeal of these sportswear separates has less to do with the celebrities who popularized them than with the garments' inherent good taste.
What's more, these aren't necessarily literal translations of former silhouettes. Many "retro" looks have been fast-forwarded into the '90s through the use of lighter fabrics or softer constructions.
Forty years ago, twin-sets were commonly knit from cashmere, angora, or other luxury fibers, but today, these sweaters are available in affordable cotton and consumers are snapping them up. Recently, both Express and Henri Bendel featured cotton twin sets in a rainbow of colors in their stores.
"We started with cotton twin-sets last Summer and they have performed extremely well for us," says Teresa Tymoski, vice president, general merchandise manager for Henri Bendel. "It's the new tee-shirt - a look you can take a lot of different places."
Tymoski points out that on a hot day, a cotton twin set teamed with a long, flowing skirt offers an easy solution to over-air-conditioned environments. "When a woman goes outside, she can then tie the cardigan around her neck or waist. It's serves as an accessory but it's also functional," she notes.
Indeed, part of the success cotton twin-sets have experienced at retail can be attributed to the need for transitional dressing. "Cotton's natural temperature control makes it comfortable year-round," explains Libby Clark, Senior Director, Retail Implementation for Cotton Incorporated. "It keeps you cool and dry in the warm weather, but is adaptable enough for the Fall and Winter. In addition, a cotton twin-set is an especially smart choice for informal office settings, because it can be used as a jacket alternative or instead of a blouse. It's the perfect season-spanning wardrobe "
Kathryn Deane, president of the Tobe Report, an apparel trend newsletter, believes "twin-sets are a customer favorite because they have the flexibility to be worn in tandem or separately. Since value and versatility are increasingly influencing what women buy, twin-sets rank high on the must-have list." |
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