Posted 2 months, 20 days ago. on March 6, 2012 by Joanna

Valentino’s Touch of Tough – It appears the Valentino woman’s romantic gowns are getting a strict makeover for the upcoming autumn. With fall 2012, Valentino designers Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri brought an edgy twist to their demure romanticism with an opening section of leather capes and skirts. Structured silhouettes transformed into floor-length gowns in an autumn palette of black, nude, scarlet and ivory. Tailored pants and refined blouses dominated the presentation as did decorative patterns ranging from flowers to the more abstract. The duo’s lacework–sometimes glittery–also made an appearance in the showing paired with sheer long sleeves and ruffled skirts. A juxtaposition of strict elegance and feminine frills win another hit for Piccioli and Chiuri.
Posted 2 months, 20 days ago. on March 6, 2012 by Joanna

Haakan’s Sculpted Fall – With his last two seasons taking on sexy skin baring cuts, Hakaan designer Hakaan Yildirim debuted a fall 2012 collection which focused on the power of shapes and fabrics. That it is not to say that autumn is demure by any means–the body-hugging silhouettes are pure feminine allure on their own. Yet there is a certain reserved quality to the new season with its sculpted shoulders and pleat embellishments reminiscent of eighties power dressing. Rich metallic fabrics, mid-length skirts and tough leather dominated the runway. Also adding to the hard exterior were shoes adorned with spikes and pointy toes. For autumn, it looks like the Hakaan woman strikes a balance between strength and sex appeal with a futuristic looking wardrobe.
Posted 2 months, 20 days ago. on March 6, 2012 by Joanna

Chanel’s Crystal Fall – Always known for its elaborate sets, the fall 2012 collection from Chanel made its debut against a backdrop of oversize crystals. The crystal theme was in fact a major motif of the autumn collection with models donning icy eyebrows, raised crystal patterns and lucite shoes paired with translucent heels. A dark color palette of ash grey, black, violet and burgundy steeped the new season in autumn hues. Wool coats in loose-fitting shapes dominated the showing as did leggings sometimes layered underneath skirts. For the final looks, designer Karl Lagerfeld introduced feathers and glittering accents for a touch of evening wear glamour.
Posted 2 months, 21 days ago. on March 5, 2012 by Joanna

Pilati’s Farewell to YSL – Yves Saint Laurent creative director Stefano Pilati presented his final collection for the label’s fall 2012 preview shown during Paris Fashion Week. It was announced a week ago that the Italian designer would leave the iconic brand after being at the helm since 2004. Black was the dominate color for autumn with sleek, body conscious shapes cinched at the waist and made of mostly leather. It seems only fitting that the final collection from Pilati would be straightforward and to the point with plunging necklines and sculpted shoulders defining the YSL woman for fall. Metal accents and mesh knits also played a part in the strong yet sensual display.
Pilati’s successor has yet to be named although former Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane has been rumored for some time. Regardless of what the future brings, Pilati’s shaping of Yves Saint Laurent can not be denied and the autumn collection proves precisely that.
Posted 2 months, 21 days ago. on March 5, 2012 by Joanna

Chloe’s Sumptuous Layers – Marking her sophomore season at Chloe, designer Clare Waight Keller presented a fall 2012 collection of autumn layers and lax silhouettes during Paris Fashion Week. A traditional Chloe color palette of soft pastels grounded by neutral tans and tawny browns dominated the runway as models sported tousled locks for autumn. Comfy knits, wool and lace sweaters brought a feminine ease to pant and shirt combinations. If Keller’s goal was to create a wardrobe of minimally luxe separates, she certainly succeeded for the upcoming season.
Posted 2 months, 21 days ago. on March 5, 2012 by Joanna

Valli’s Demure Luxe – After last season’s luxe ethereal showing, Giambattista Valli turned down the volume for his namesake label’s fall 2012 collection presented during Paris Fashion Week. An autumn color palette of black, ivory and scarlet set the stage for bold, graphic prints and ladylike shapes. Floor length gowns were segmented by mid-size metallic belts. Autumn also saw many tweed separates in two toned looks with geometric shapes. Beauty for the show included slicked back hair and understated makeup to reflect the minimal elegance of the new season.