In Fashion: Ruche-a-rama

Posted at 5:00 AM Nov 06, 2009

By Kathleen Willcox

​While watching Video Fashion Daily (on mute) the other day, I found myself dancing around to a very special song (in my head, natch) and replacing the word ruche with freak to the all-time musical classic "Le Freak" while simultaneously drooling over all of the deliciously ruched creations that sprang from Christopher Bailey's gorgeously addled fashion genius mind. It was quite a sight. Me, I mean. Oh, yes -- and the clothes were pretty sweet too.

From twisted skirts, to scrunched bags, to beautifully squashed sleeves and crumpled cravats, the models appeared to be wrapped in head to toe saran wrap - in the form of colorful (and often plaid) gabardine, washed chiffon, double faced duchess silk, layered tulle, buttered leather and suede, weaved together by ingenious little fairy fingers. It sounds butt-ugly, but it totally works.

Luckily for the unwashed masses, we don't have to drop a year's worth of college tuition to get the same louchely rumpled, chic, fun look. We must merely turn to the bumper crop of surprisingly well-tailored knock-offs knocking about the shelves.

Sing along, ladies ...

"All that pressure got you down/Has your head spinning all around/Feel the rhythm, check the ride/Come on along and have a real good time/Like the days of stopping at the Savoy
Now we ruche, oh what a joy..."

Le Ruche, C'est Chic:


If you're not sure if this ruchin' business is your thang, you can dip your dainty toe into the rippling ruched-up waters with a subtly scrunched boyfriend blazer (and you can kill two Tweeting fashion trends with one stone). The boyfriend blazer is everywhere this season, and this one in particular (pictured above) is especially spot-on and sleek with a feminine silhouette, wide peaked lapels, seamed back, four-button closure at the cuffs and, of course, the pièce de résistance- three-quarter length ruched sleeves. On sale for $86.40 at Bloomingdales.

It's Called Le Ruche!
These hot-steppers from Forever 21 are great because you can highlight the ruched calf section of the boot - or hide it under jeans or trousers, making them perfect for the office and your favorite hangouts. They're grain-textured, black, cuffed boots with cone-shaped, 4-inch heels that feature fab ruching at both the front and the back of the boot. And at $31.80, they're a steal.

Aaaaaaaaa! Ruche Out!
If you are totally committed to ruchin' it out, these harem trousers from TopShop are all you, cuteypants. The batwing hip drapings take some serious cajones to pull off, but if you've got 'em, wear 'em. In charcoal with a tapered, ruched ankle, they would look absolutely stunning with strappy heels and a strappy, simple top. And, hey, if you don't have serious cajones, just strap 'em on (the billowing crotch will hide them -- and all sorts of other unwanted folds and blobs, making these the perfect pants to wear when you want to look chic but feel anything but sleek). $80.