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:

Short Circuit

Love it or hate it — there is a new gown in town looking to shake things up on the party scene. Parisian designers served up evening attire where influence ranged from eighties rocker chic, super hero glory, to Victorian variations where romance and sex appeal collided. But it was the new length that had fashion followers taking note. 

Nina Ricci, Balmain, Ungaro and Dior dreamed up dresses staggering in length from front to back. The gowns' description could best be compared to a trendy haircut, with its cropped bangs in front, followed by layered locks that gradually transformed the dress into a full length silhouette. Bottom line, it is a shape to showcase glam gams. Whether the trend will be deemed red carpet worthy remains to be seen, but what is certain— sporting this style with command confidence. 

Emanuel Ungaro:

Balmain:

Nina Ricci:

Balmain:

Narciso Rodriquez:

Style Trend: Nudist Colony

Giambaista Valli:

Rather than the abundance of neon colors that were spotted in multitude last spring, a bevy of designers opted to showcase their designs in the somber and sultry nude hue. The neutral shade made a BIG impact at Stella McCartney's celebrated show. Also opting for a similar color palette included designers Giambatista Valli and Rodarte. Take a look at the many different styles created with anything but color in mind.

Nina Ricci:

Givenchy:

Thakoon:

 

Stella McCartney:

Rodarte:

Style Trend: Ms. Match

Marc Jacobs:

Lanvin:

This season designers found common ground on one style trend in particular— creating frocks that were anything but uniform. Bringing together a host of colors and patterns, from plaids to florals to tulle for texture, designers offered up enough contrasting fabrics to outfit an entire living room. Choosing to pile on the patterns included designers Marc Jacobs, Marni, and Dries van Noten (famed for bringing florals together last spring).  Mixing and matching patterns in lieu of coordinating a print with a simple solid takes a keen eye to achieve, but the end result proves the old saying true— opposites attract!

Marni:

Dolce & Gabbana:

Dries Van Noten:
 

Marni:

Runway Report: Spring 2009

This year's fashion shows collided with the gloomy news of economic woes. Those looking to take their focus off plummeting stock tickers turned their eyes toward the bright fashion lights in New York, London, Milan and Paris. Taking center stage on the catwalk was a number of awe- inspiring styles sure to cause a fashion frenzy come spring. So if your a forward thinker,  look ahead to the styles of spring 2009, when hopefully we can wave farewell to the Wall Street distress wearing frocks that will have us all dressed for success.