Jewelry hunting at last year's spring ready-to-wear collections was like shooting fish in a barrel. Everywhere you looked there were huge statement necklaces, boatloads of bangles and lots of layered links.
This year? The runway shine is as dull as a Michael Bolton quickstep.
HOWEVER - there are two noteworthy designers that used the jewel to make their lines pop: Giorgio Armani in Milan and Zac Posen in Paris (his show wrapped just hours ago). Observe...
Armani's Spring Ready-to-Wear collection was all about midnight madness. The navy night sky in Africa was Mr. Armani's inspiration, according to Style.com - and the jewelry he chose echoed the sentiment beautifully (I'm digging out my midnight sapphires as we speak...).
Zac Posen's line was more flirty, feathered and flapperish - with mesh jewelry styles that scream "Industrial Maven meets Prohibition Chic". Bravo.
With the Parisian pret-a-porter extravaganza just underway, some of my favorite designers are still on the calendar - Dior/Galliano, Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier. Will they bejewel their beauties? Stay tuned...
Joan Collins Meets Robert Palmer Girls: It's all about the 80's and The Super ShoulderThe Super Shoulder at Nina Ricci Fall 2009/10
Milan Fashion Week has come and gone and now, the world's press--and editors and fashion buyers alike--have moved onto the City of Lights, Paris. Two trends are making a standout this season: The Eighties and a Fierce Shoulder. It seems ironic that in such a dire economic situation that the world is under, the 80's--a time of prosperity and spend spend spend--would be a theme that designers would cling to. Lord knows the reason, but they have.
Frida Giannini for Gucci:Slouched Skinny 80's at Gucci Fall 2009/10
Case in point: Frida Giannini at Gucci. Her entire collection celebrated Tina Chow and the 80's style of ultra feminine, strong, who-cares-what's-going-on-in-the-economy power post-Disco girl. For Fall 2009/10 Gucci, pants are only available in two silhouettes: Super skinny or slouched-to-super skinny. Club 80's at Gucci Fall 2009/10
Strong 80's shoulder-pads and silk jersey one shoulder club dresses highlighted the collection. The message for Giannini was clear: The World economy is going to Hell and a Hen basket, but the Gucci girl is going clubbin'.
Dolce and Gabbana:The Leg-o-Mutton Sleeve at Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009/10
For Fall 2009/10, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, based their collection on Elsa Schiaparelli with overt 30's and 40's references. Yet to me, it looked a lot more like an episode from Dynasty and an homage to Nolan Miller at times. Those oversized leg-o-mutton sleeves were out of control--and in a kind of campy, good way. Marilyn Monroe Pouffed at Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009/10
They were the kind of sleeves in my old fashion school pattern book which my instructors would still somehow make us create. I remember back then, thinking to myself "Boy, these are some tacky sleeves and why do I have to make them?" Well, what was tacky then, is on-the-mark now. Time to dust off that pattern book and give myself a refresher course in oversized leg-o-mutton sleeves I guess! Click below for the Dolce and Gabbana Fall 2009/10 Runway Show (in 2 parts):
Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci: I Am Not In A Good Mood: The Nina Ricci Girl is ready to Fashion Kill!
Marrying the two Fall 2009/10 trends of the 80's and Super Shoulders is the genius of Olivier Theyskens in his final collection for Nina Ricci. His swan song was hailed by editors, fashion press and buyers alike as one of his best. His woman was the Robert Palmer Girl--but for 2009/2010! The Original Robert Palmer Girl
His collection seemed to be an ode to that Theyskens girl he created in his head who in one corner is ultra fashionable and chic, yet at the same time, can stomp you and whip you into shape if you speak to her the wrong way! I want to hang out with this woman...OK, I actually wanna BE THIS WOMAN!!! Besides strong Thierry Mugler-like jackets, super skinny skin-tight pants, 80's slicked back chignons, defined Shiseido-girl looking make-up, he also showed some of the most dangerous boots and shoes since Naomi Campbell fell in her Vivienne Westwood platforms. Are you Kidding me? The Nina Ricci no-heel boots
Take a look at these boots with no heel--I can only imagine what the models' reactions were when they were handed these shoes and told to walk for their lives! I can see a Tyra "America's Next Top Model" episode comin' on...that or Ru Paul's "Drag Race"! Click Below for a short video on his last collection for the House of Nina Ricci:
It’s true what the style hounds say: “It’s always fashion week somewhere in the world.” This week, the runways were working it in Milan where all eyes were on Italy’s most famous houses: Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. As usual, the runway fashions, jewelry looks, (and after parties) didn’t disappoint.
Donatella took things shorter, younger, and sweeter this season with a heart-themed line that sparkled in a series of chunky yellow-gold right hand rings and statement bangles. The 3-D heart shape formed by an open zipper found its way on her flirty short dresses – and even her handbags showed a little love. The days of tacky, gaudy Versace are decidedly (and thankfully) over. Bravo!
And while Donatella made a heartfelt showing, the D & G boys –as always – took things up a notch. The sleepwear-inspired line had oodles of satiny fabrics, mini-mouse sleeve silhouettes and jewelry that ranged from the big and bold to the bigger and bolder. Vintage brooches, statement chains and hairpieces littered the runway, adding just enough wattage to each look without putting them over the top.
Celebs like Jennifer Lopez and hubby, Marc Anthony, Matthew McConaughey and wife, Camila Alves, and supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Eva Herzigova sat runway-side and were all VIP guests at the closing night party at the uber-exclusive restaurant, Gold. After dinner, guests were whisked away for a surprise performance of none other than Diana Ross in honor of Gabbana’s 50th birthday.
Apparently there really ain’t no mountain high enough for these fashion icons. And in case you're worried about runway withdrawal, I have three words for you: Next week, Paris.
