Confetti Confections

While the New Year's holiday has since past, one wouldn't know it by the shimmer and shine that blinded the crowds as the dresses made their way down the spring runways. From Balmain to Balenciaga, it was a parade of sequined confections that were neither boring nor breezy. Designers might not have been in on the secret when dreaming up their collections that hard economic times lay ahead, but the irony has us all grabbing for glamour. Perhaps these sizzling sensations give us a glimmer of hope that 2009 will have reason celebrate. Regardless, one thing is for certain, these dazzling dresses echo a party spirit and the perfect excuse to dress up, enjoy the warm weather, and party on well past midnight.

Emilio Pucci:

Versace:

Balmain:

Balenciaga:

Dries Van Noten:

Matthew Williamson:

Marni:

  

Drop Dead Draping

Spring is shaping up to be a phenomenal season when it comes to playing up volume. Making an impact were a handful of collections that demonstrated a more dramatic approach to dressing. While Grecian inspirations reigned among many collections, designers such as Rodarte and Ann Demeulemeester took it one step further playing up draping and gathering of fabric to form dress shapes that were down right modern . The look resulted in a not too fanciful approach to detail, while still pulling off a sophisticated cool.  Color, too, plays in to the effect sharply highlighting the various shapes that these dresses evoke. Urban sexy and oh so cool!

Rodarte:

Twilight Zone

Fashion of the future has landed on our planet and is currently taking over the style scene. Those who first reported the sighting described a scene of statuesque creatures sporting futuristic styles that alienated the runway. The look is highly structured with an architectural focus that plays up on proportion. Reminiscent of the late 90s minimal era, the fashion has gone high tech resulting in form fitting silhouettes that detail each pleat, tuck, and fold. A dead giveaway that the designs are of this millennium— the bell capped sleeves on many of the styles. 

Balenciaga:

Alexander McQueen:

Christian Lacroix:

Karl Lagerfield:

Lanvin:

Fringe Benefits

Jill Sander:

It would be very difficult not to make note of the fringe trend that appeared in abundance on the Spring runways. What is most interesting though is to study how designers' interpreted the famed adornment to achieve varying styles that ran the gamete. For starters, Alberta Ferretti and John Paul Gaultier channeled the flirty style of the Roaring 20s creating modern day chic flapper dresses fit for any fashion party. Also of note included Anne Demeulemeester rocker chic crystal creations, brilliant 70s boho fringe at Alessandro Dell' Aqua and Jill Sander. Perhaps the most authentic formation came from McQueen whose entire garment was beautifully draped and gathered with long pieces of fringe.  It's a sure bet— all of these dramatic styles offer fringe, with benefits!

Alberta Ferretti:

John Paul Gaultier:

Alessandra Dell' Aqua:

Aquiliano Rimoldi:

Alexander McQueen:

Anne Demeulemeester:

 

Fierce Fashion

Alexander Wang:

Ladies gear up for some major deconstruction in your wardrobe this season. Designers demonstrated that skin is certainly in and incorporated it into a bevy of bondage-inspired domineering creations. Frocks featuring rips, shreds, sheer, and strategically placed cutouts, which conveyed a "don't mess with me" attitude representing daring drama rather than fairy tale fantasy. These strong silhouettes signify a protocol for sexiness taking it one step further with many areas of the body on full display. Time to tone up and head out on the town with some confidence.

Givenchy:

Rodarte:

Narciso Rodriquez:

YSL:

John Paul Gaultier:

Bedtime Stories

Chapter 1: Dream A Little Dream

Dolce and Gabbana:

Mr. Sandman must have been on the minds of Dolce and Gabbana, AF Vandervorst, and Miuccia Prada. Possibly sleep deprived, designers dreamed up a bevy of  bedtime inspired pieces that were not meant to just be worn behind closed doors.  Out of the closet came designs ranging from sweet and sophisticated to more serious and seductive. Dolce and Gabbana's clever use of the theme married masculine silk mens pajamas with high amounts of feminine frills that made for a perfect courtship. 

Whatever late night look you may fancy, step out on the town sporting your favorite corset, lacy wrap, or sheer chiffon. Let's just hope you have the proper undergarments to display. And as always be prepared, those not in the know might confuse you for sleepwalking.

Alberta Ferretti:

Dolce and Gabbana:

AF Vandervorst:

Christian Dior:

Chapter 2: Sensual Seduction

AF Vandervorst:

Prada:

Christian Dior:

Dolce & Gabbana:

Prefix MENu

Akris

Those who crave stylish suiting will be pleased by what designers served up on the Spring runway. Taste makers Bottega Veneta, Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, YSL, and Marc Jacobs, featured masculine inspired palettes for women currently devouring this style of dressing.  Double-breasted versions of the classic menswear mainstay called for ingredients including sharp solids, finely minced fabrics, and savory lines carefully prepared for figure flattery. Mindful of warmer weather, designers opted away from pantsuits, instead favoring a menu of short suits and dresses. The end result— menswear flavored with enough femininity to satisfy the ladies who lunch to the most discerning dinner dates. A rare delicacy, indeed.

Bottega Veneta:

Dolce & Gabbana:

Marc Jacobs:


Stella McCartney:

YSL: