Basics: Sleeves

Sleeves are a big deal. A huge deal. They can be cuffed. They can be buttoned. They can be fluttery. They can be different material than the rest of the garment. A lack of sleeves is a statement of coolness, as we all (read: me and other cool kids) learned from that one episode of Wishbone. They are usually not the right length if you are tall. They are what keep your (read: my) weird elbows with that scar from when you had a staph infection from being set on display for the world to see.

They are also big in fashion.

Sometimes literally.

These super puffy/bandage sleeves had a strong showing at Lanvin 2011 in a way that makes me feel weird. This reminds me of that episode of Arrested Development when George Michael wears the Adam body suit under all of this clothes to look super strong to impress Maeby. That is probs what Elbaz was going for. I have never met a Jew who didn't love Arrested. Hopefully this is actually a case of huge sleeves and not some ridiculous body snarking about a woman (or actually most of these Lanvin models) who is extremely built.

PVC tubes double as faux-sleeves

Here, I believe Rei Kawakubo is trying to capture the essence of wearing your jacket over your arms rather than with your arms in the sleeves thing that every fashion blog always has going on. Frankly, I don't get it. I mean, yes, it does solve the problem of your sleeves being to short from being on display. And it also solves the problem of ever having to carry anything for anyone ever. But at what cost? The cost of not being able to use your freaking arms. Comme des Garçons made this jacket so that I can look as cool as all you arm sacrificing people, but still be able to do a crossword puzzle on the bus. Thanks guys!

POOF!

Here YSL gives a good demo of how a flourescent orange tent on your arm can make you look alive. Even if you are a zombie with no melanin to speak of. It took me a solid 30 seconds before I started to wonder how this one could have more coloring in your legs than your face. But this must be what they are going for. The huge bow on her breast region is even overpowered by these sleeves, which are gypsy-like, while still looking ridiculously expensive. I want this in every color of the rainbow. Which according to Stefano Pilati the only other colors are white, black, blue, beige and a hint of fuchsia.