Clockwise from top left: Spring 2008 looks from Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka (2), and ADAM. Source: Style.com

Ombré, from the French ombrer meaning "to shade," is a dip-dye effect given to fabric in which the color is graduated from light to dark. The intoxicating technique, which naturally lends itself to billowy silks and bohemian silhouettes, was picked up on Spring 2008 runways by designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka and ADAM (formerly Adam + Eve). While we can't expect budget retailers to recreate the sunset-glow of ombre by actually hand-dipping fabric (they've tried it by mechanical means before, but the effect is usually more tacky tie-dye than ethereal ombre) we're hopeful that modern technology will make it increasingly possible for this irresistible trend to reach the masses come spring.