The European Fashion Weeks have wrapped! From London to Milan and finally to Paris, our favorite high fashion designers have given us a lot to be excited about this coming spring. So, as we all reluctantly pull out our heavy brocaded coats and fur stoles from storage (we may be in a recession…but that doesn’t mean we have to dress the part), rest assured that come spring we will be shedding those layers for some fierce and fabulous pieces!
The plummeting stock markets couldn’t hold down the opulent, imaginative and decidedly hopeful designs pouring down the runways overseas. Here, just a taste of what you can expect (dresses, dresses and more dresses!):
LONDON–(left to right) ISSA gives the girl-on-the-go sophistication without stuffiness. I love the combination of subtle color and radiant shine. From the Nigerian born, London based designer Duro Olowu comes more of what he does best: Exotic patterns. His keen taste of over the top patterns and refined silhouettes, strike balance that is perfect for the lady who likes to stand out in a crowd. Finally, Ossie Clark is a fashion house in transition, trying to revitalize it’s hay-day in the 70’s. This solid collection is making for a promising start. Check out the matching dress and shoes…brilliant!
MILAN– (left to right) You can always rely on Marni to give you fun, quirky and absolutely fabulous prints every season. Consuelo Castiglioni delivered a collection of well constructed separates and dresses that anyone can mix and match throughout their wardrobe. Gotta love versatility! You can’t talk about Milan fashion week without mentioning Dolce and Gabbana. These guys know what ladies really want….the comfort of PJs with the glam of a movie star. Done! This collection is complete with Men’s Pajama inspired style and a whole lot of sexy. Speaking of sexy, just look at that Raf Simons for Jil Sander black fringe dress. Enough said.
PARIS– (left to right) Ahhh, Josephine Baker…one of my style idols! It’s only fitting that she was one of the inspirations behind the all-imporant Louis Vuitton collection. Exotic prints, embellishments galore and tailored separates pulled Marc Jacobs’ (creative director/designer for LV) vision together. Don’t be surprised if you see every one of Giambattista Valli’s collection on all the Hollywood starlets. Young celebutantes are mad for Valli’s frocks (Rhianna is a huge fan) and his crop of spring designs are the perfect transition from red carpet to after party! Now if you’re the type of gal that has a full social schedule, you’ll want to make sure you have a Lanvin in your closet, because you can’t go wrong with one of Alber Elbaz’s designs. The spring collection for Lanvin uses volume and skilled draping to invoke light and airy pieces that could certainly elevate any occasion.
I absolutely live and die for accessories! Shoes, bags, belts, jewelry and beyond– make my heart sing! They are the perfect investment since you can wear them a lot more than, say, that fuschia dress you adore (”there she goes in that pink dress again”). A great bag or pair of shoes are meant to be worn all the time, so the price to mileage ratio is perfection!
Check out these haute accessories for Spring 09 (I would do very bad things for those Yves Saint Laurent Eiffel Tower inspired booties...I’m just saying)!
