With a certain wine hue garnering a barrel of attention this year, fashion followers are paying homage to the bottle in a new way. This time it's with cork, which is the go-to texture for spring.
Designers such as Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg and Kate Spade have all found success incorporating the material — and sometimes pattern — into their offerings.
From belts and bags to wedges and flats, the eco-friendly material is showing that it has use beyond bulletin boards and champagne bottles. In addition to everyday fashion styles in cork, the trend takes on extra importance here in Maryland, where the material makes for the perfect pairing for the Preakness next month.
"Who would have thought that popping the cork off your favorite bottle of Champagne could contribute to your wardrobe?" said Latease T. Lashley, founder of Creatively Speaking, a Baltimore-based company specializing in fashion commentary.
Cork is the latest example of designers becoming more creative and economically minded in the construction and design of ready-to-wear garments, said Lashley.
"The use of cork is an unassuming yet interesting material that has the quality to read luxurious to trendy in accessories, including chic handbags," she said. "From shoes to bracelets to men's wallets, cork is a fashion element that is sustainable, durable and here to stay."
The appeal
Fashion experts promote the comfort of the material and its chic appearance, while trend-conscious consumers embrace the texture.
"The people, they love it," said Alli Baldwin, a buyer and manager at Poppy and Stella, a shoe boutique in Fells Point.
"Cork adds an element of comfort," said Baldwin, whose boutique is peppered with cork offerings — especially in wedges. "Designers have been using cork as a practical comfort element for years. It adds shock absorption to the heel. It adds comfort."
Baldwin also praises the overall appearance of the material.
"It's close to the shade of nude," she said. "It's a neutral that is flattering to most skin tones."
Cork made a major resurgence two years ago, according to Pam Haner, a Baltimore-based fashion stylist.
Haner said that the material's '70s feel makes it relevant right now.
"Seventies style is huge on the runway," said Haner. "It is happening again. It would make sense that cork wedges would be coming back again."
How to wear it
Experts say that it is easy to add cork to your wardrobe. "The cool thing is that it's a neutral," Haner said. "Whether it's a wedge or a platform, you can dress it up or dress it down."
Haner advises that cork wearers pair the material with pastels or bold colors. "Stick with colors and make it pop a little bit," she said. "Although I wouldn't wear it with black."
Emilie Blaze, owner of The Little Shoebox, loves the versatility of cork, especially when it comes to shoes.
Her Ruxton Station boutique is filled with a number of options from designers such as Mystique, Elaine Turner and Kate Spade.
"I carry a midheel and high wedge by Elaine Turner that are both lightweight and great-looking on the foot," she said. "The slip-on burnished gold wedge by Kate Spade is perfect for any event on the lawn or beach."
Cork isn't only for women. There are a number of shoe options for men.
This month, Nike celebrated the 25th anniversary of its Air Max 90 line of sneaker with an "Infrared Cork" model. The shoe features a mostly cork body with infrared accents and black leather detailing.
Haner suggests that men pair cork shoes with linen suits.
"Add a pop of color with a tie that will tie into the accent colors in the cork sneakers from Gourmet or Nike," she said.
Preakness pairing
Cork could very well be the hottest accessory during Baltimore's biggest springtime event, the annual Preakness.
Baldwin said cork shoes are "awesome" for walking outdoors and would be especially appropriate for the grounds at Pimlico, which features a myriad of walking surfaces, including a grassy infield, metal bleacher steps and the cement in the clubhouse terrace area.
"You want a wedge to be both cute and comfortable for walking around," she said.
Haner agrees, saying the Preakness is an ideal place to display cork. "It's easy to walk in and stand in," she said. "It's very springy. It's a nice, light-weight neutral for spring."
Haner said she would incorporate a cork wedge and cork bag into a Preakness ensemble.
"I'd use a dress in a bright primary color — yellow or red," she said. "Use cork as a neutral. If you did a cork wedge and a bag, it would be really cute — especially if you did a confetti cork."
Lashley is on the lookout for cork accessories for her own Preakness outfit.
"I would love to find a cork hat, really nice clutch with cork elements or compliment the hat with a wedge," she said. "I might even bring a cork umbrella — if I can find one — just in case I need some shade."