The Fisherman's Sweater

Boutiques specializing in knits from the Irish Aran Islands may very well see themselves sold out soon due to successive waves of fashionistas descending on their products. The iconic cable stitch for which their pullovers are famous is on the verge of becoming a fall/winter 2010-2011 must-have.

Usually reserved for keeping warm during the cold nights in (the French region of) Lozère rather than for walking on the sidewalks of Paris, the fisherman's sweater's status is changing this season thanks to the trend-makers. Marc Jacobs and Miuccia Prada have both chosen to warm up a few of their looks with these pieces that we thought were definitely reserved for countryside tourism.

Originally conceived to protect the Irish fishermen from the weather, these traditional knits - whose patterns changed depending on the clan, like family crests - will be losing their rustic character for a trip into fashion country.

This is not the first time that the cable stitch has been trendy. In 1960, in George Cukor's film Let's Make Love, Marilyn Monroe set a precedent, sublimating her pinup silhouette by wearing a sky-blue fisherman's sweater with opaque black tights. Purchased by Gérard Darel in 1999 at an auction, this legendary pullover is about to make a comeback.

Whether it be an authentic or a current version, this type of pullover may steal headlines from the sensible Bompard pieces in our closets -- under the condition that it be updated to thwart its more pragmatic inclinations.

Its "anti-globalization protestor" allure should be replaced by a look that is a bit more feminine, even romantic. The fisherman's sweater could go well with a long, diaphanous dress or a full 50s-style skirt; it could soften the rock-n-roll feel of a pair of 3/4 slims, or occasionally be belted high-waisted, making it more sophisticated.

For the versions long enough to wear as a mini-dress, pair them up with opaque tights, a wide-brimmed felt hat and Margiela boots. In other words, avoid going for a boyish look - instead, match it with pieces that an Irish fisherman would never think of wearing...