Join my harem — The Very Simon G

I must admit, they are tricky to pull off. You have to be brave. You have to just pull them on, walk out the door, face the world with a confident I-don't-care-coz-I-love-fashion turn-up of your nose and go on with your day. I am, of course, talking about the trend that has swept across well...everywhere - THE HAREM TROUSER (or pant, or whatever one wishes to call it).

We have India to thank really. They were, and very much still are, worn everyday. They are people's uniform, people's everyday trouser choice. They are not a trend over there, more of a staple. Then bang. They turn up in a few collections from some of the more 'daring' designers. Slowly but surely, in the high end to high street manufacturing line that is essential for retail now, the harem pant show up EVERYWHERE.

Please don't think I'm complaining. I'm the biggest fan of this particular silhouette. Being just over six feet tall I think I've mastered how to wear them. Of course I get the gibes: "have you shit yourself?" or "you must have MASSIVE balls". I take them on the chin, and often agree with both statements now. Why the hell not?! If you can't have fun...

Sure, I'm the first to admit that having some height goes a long way when wearing them. If you're Kylie Minogue size, I think it may be a no no. Some crotches hang so low that they'd sweep the floor. This is meant to be fashion, not road-sweeper-wear. Having said that there are SO many styles now that no matter what your height, you could rock a type. Jeans, for example, are starting to grow in the crotch area on the high street. Try them out!

I was reading an article on the Daily Mail website about the trend. The writer obviously had a bad experience and was on a war path with the harems. She stated interestingly: "As we know, women dress either to seduce men or to impress other women, but these terrifying trousers tick neither box." Oh dear. A feminist I think not. Ever heard of dressing for yourself love?

Obviously Dame Viv's pioneering collections through the years have featured the harem, for both men and women. It's very much the Westwood way. Her shapes and cuts drape the body rather than sculpt it. Her husband, not surprisingly, is a big fan of the harem! (see below). Not only Westwood, but Givenchy and Kris Van Assche sent the lovely trousers down their spring summer catwalks - for the men!

And judging by the pics below, are we thinking the Daily Mail women is so wrong? Rhianna sure looks hot to me, and Gwen is the coolest mum I've ever seen!!

I think it's got to be done. Go out, buy a pair, then come back to me with how you got on. I guarantee they'll be the most comfortable thing you own, and uber-fashionable! They're my biggest hit of the season. Slightly envious you ladies had the opportunity to wear the gold sequined ones that Ralph Lauren had for spring summer '09.

Go on ladies and gents. I dare ya!