Not for folk on a tight budget

Published on Friday 28 October 2005 12:22

THEY are definitely not for those without cash to splash, but, if you want to turn heads, the most expensive hosiery in the world might just do the trick.

The extraordinary Imperial Legs tights were designed by the darling of the New York fashion scene, Zac Posen, and worn by all his models during his autumn-winter fashion show.

A strictly limited number of the glamorous, crystal-encrusted tights are now going on general sale at a cost of 275 a spangled pair.

Just one set of the "snag free" tights will be sold in Scotland, at Edinburgh's Harvey Nichols store. They will go on sale at the store - whose most expensive tights normally cost 20 - on a first-come, first-served basis on Monday.

Buyers at Harvey Nichols say their star attraction will be perfect for fashion aficionados with cash to splash as the party season approaches.

A Harvey Nichols spokesman said: "This season, the biggest thing women are worried about is turning up at a party wearing the same as someone else.

"These tights have got wow-factor and people will say 'where did you get those'.

"That kind of response is definitely worth paying for."

Posen is the latest young designer to cause a stir among fashion circles and is a favourite of Hollywood starlets such as Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst.

He is also an icon among the rich and famous and rap star Sean "P Diddy" Combs was recently rumoured to have bought a significant share of Posen's business.

Posen has teamed up with hosiery manufacturer Wolford and renowned crystal manufacturer Swarovski to produce its striking new brown and black legwear with its sparkling geometric design.

Harvey Nichols believes the limited-edition tights are the epitome of a backlash which is being seen at the top fashion stores against regular brand name designer labels.

Leading designers are increasingly producing their latest items in very limited numbers - a trend known in the trade as "nouveau niche".

Edinburgh fashion expert Sarah Davidson, who runs the Jane Davidson boutique on Thistle Street, was uncertain of the tights' appeal, but confirmed there had been a trend towards limited edition clothing.

She said: "I can't see many people shelling out 275 to walk down the street in designer tights and personally I would rather spend 275 on a little black dress."

She added: "But I will say that Zac Posen is a very respected designer.

"He is the darling of New York - he's young and he's new and he has a lot of celebrity support."

She added: "A lot depends upon your perception of value for money and you have to look at cost per wear.

"If you are going to wear these tights an awful lot then 275 might not be a lot of money.

"There's a big movement towards hosiery right now and grey opaque tights were a front-row feature at London Fashion Week this year.

"Patterned and lacy tights are also very big just now and I think that's all to do with the return of the skirt suit."