!! OMG, why not wear it?  Novel necklines fit for royalty !!

With summer days inching closer, the impulse might be to emphasize your décolletage by way of exposure. But I say, it’s time to play ruff and go all out—and upward, and assert yourself with a collar that any drama queen would be comfortable in.

Take a cue from Evan Mock’s festive exaggerated collar at the recent Met Gala (above).

The Gossip Girl star’s gorgeous get-up, which featured a corset-style custom suit and ruffled neck and wrist details, was made by New York’s Head Of State.

It was HOS founder Taofeek Abijako’s first time dressing guests for the avidly-observed affair (The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira also rocked a HOS frock), and the moment came just after the label was nominated for a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award in late April. (So, file this brand under “One to Watch”.)

But it’s not only hip indie houses that are encouraging us to take our napes to the next level. See the rest of our picks after the jump!

At Gucci’s ‘Cosmogonie’ show earlier this week, ruffs – and other notable necklines ­– were all the rage.

 

As with the revival of pannier looks, fashion can’t seem to get enough of a fulsome scruff.

And since anachronistic legislation of all kinds loom over us on the daily, it makes total sense for these aristocratic details—which initially became en vogue in the 16^th century—to be making a resurgence! Plus ça change, n’est pas?

On the softer side of this sartorial moment, Viktor & Rolf’s “Surreal Shoulder” Haute Couture collection for Spring/Summer 2022 also gave a nod to fantastical frills.

While perhaps “prettier” than some of the other Surrealist surprises we’ve seen this season, these noble necklines are still a gesture not meant for the faint of heart. But tough times call for fierce fashion, my friends.

Feeling inclined to stick your neck out by wearing this royally-relished garb? Check out New York Adventure Club’s upcoming webinar ‘The Ruff Collar: Fashion History’s Flashiest Neckwear’ on Tuesday, May 24^th to get into the spirit!

OMG, why not wear it? is our column for fashion lovers who are up for anything. It is an inspiration point, a place for dreaming, and a discussion of beauty, weirdness, and thought-provoking design moments as forms of connection. Written by Odessa Paloma Parker (@odessapaloma)