In the world of music and fashion this week, it seems that thanks to Rihanna, Sheer Dressmaking Fabrics are once again the subject on everybody's lips. The Barbadian pop superstar was presented with the Fashion Icon Award at the CFDA's by Vogue editor Anna Wintour and never one to shy away from an attention grabbing outfit, Rihanna most certainly left us speechless this time with a jaw dropping sheer outfit which left almost nothing to the imagination. Created by designer Adam Selman and embellished with over 230,000 hand-sewn Swarovski crystals, the controversial dress caused an uproar on the internet almost immediately as she stepped onto the red carpet. The pop star herself has credited Josephine Baker as her inspiration and we can certainly see the influence of the late singer and entertainer as Rihanna paired the glittering gown with a matching headdress and fur stole, which bears striking similarity to the glamorous and barely there style for which Ms. Baker was famous during her hugely successful career which stemmed throughout the late 1920's and 30's. [caption id="attachment_7064" align="alignleft" width="228"]miranda_kerr_sheer Miranda Kerr looks effortlessly stylish in a printed chiffon blouse.[/caption] In the world of fashion, where Rihanna leads many will follow and whilst most of us do not possess the bank balance or indeed the body to rock such a risqué look as Rihanna's, you can still be bang on trend by taking a leaf out of her book and rock an embellished nude cocktail or maxi dress for the ultimate in glamour this summer. Our range of Chiffon Dressmaking Fabrics are perfect for creating fashionable sheer designs and are available in a variety of shades including the nude palette which is proving to extremely popular this season. Our Cationic Chiffon Dressmaking Fabric is a particularly popular choice for sheer dressmaking trends; this beautiful two-tone iridescent Fabric is famous for it's beautifully soft and sleek appearance and is often used as an affordable alternative to silk. Chiffon is perfect for layering with other Dressmaking Fabrics as it creates a stunning drape. If you are opting for the glittering, embellished look such as Rihanna then our range of Georgette is an excellent choice. This gorgeous Fabric is slightly heavier than it's closely related Chiffon which results in a slightly less "fly-away' look than that achieved with Chiffon. Due to it's extra weight, Georgette is ideal for holding heavier embellishment but is still lightweight and sheer enough to create a stunning layered look without becoming bulky. Our range of Chiffon Fabrics are always particularly popular at this time of year as they are perfect for creating the on trend floaty maxi dress and other warmer weather items. For those who are (understandably!) not brave enough to fully embrace the sheer trend as Rihanna did, you can still introduce elements of the trend to your wardrobe for a high fashion impact which does not reveal too much. Actress, Miranda Kerr showed exactly how to rock the sheer trend whilst remaining classy when she stepped out wearing a beautiful printed chiffon blouse paired with a pair of tailored trousers and the obligatory arm candy in the form of an oversized black tote. We carry a range of stunning Printed Chiffon Dressmaking Fabrics which are ideal for recreating this look; available in a variety of stunning feminine patterns many of which are particularly popular during the summer months due to their bold floral print which is particularly en vogue this season. [caption id="attachment_7065" align="alignright" width="142"]jamie_pressly_062911_m Jamie Pressly in a sheer kaftan style dress.[/caption] For a more formal occasion, you can still embrace the sheer trend by using a layering technique like Jamie Pressly who looked stunning in a white sheer kaftan style dress paired with a matching slip which was enough to preserve her modesty whilst still remaining on trend. With the subtle detailing around the neckline and paired with gold peep toe shoes and relaxed, tousled waves Jamie's look is perfect for an evening out. Sheer Fabrics such as Chiffon, Georgette and Lace are ideal for layering and look fantastic when paired with other Dressmaking Fabrics such as Satin. Have you used any of our Sheer Dressmaking Fabrics for your projects? As always, we love to see your pictures uploaded to our Facebook page.