FASHION BY THE RULES: FANTASYLAND

Welcome to the world of Paris Haute Couture, where rules and regulations do not apply, where price is not even considered and where the high priests of fashion reside with their followers.

As is the usual custom of the week, John Galliano for Dior starts the week with what can only be described as unbelievable in terms of design, artistry and cost. Given the inspirations of Charles James, Monsieur DIOR, and the equestrian, this collection, can only be deemed masterful, genius and breathtaking in every way possible.

Proceeding Dior is another master, Armani Prive who offers up the crescent and curvilinear arc as its theme. Once again Mr. Armani shows us that he is a master of his construction as well as a master of jaw dropping beauty, no expense spared!!!!

Next up would be one of the greatest and most prolific of designers, Karl Lagerfeld for CHANEL and there is nothing finer. He takes his inspiration from Comtesse de Castiglione or Lady Gaga but has banished his traditional black and navy blue and opted for barely there shades and the most exquisite of embellishments, only in silver.

Lastly there is a new crop of “couturiers” that cater to a decidedly younger client. The labels are not new but the image of the house has changed. Take for example, Valentino, Givenchy, Gaultier and Elie Saab. They are forging new paths to attract the next generation of couture customers. While I am not sure I can understand the product, I can, however, appreciate the artistry it entails to deliver the product.

Mainly, it must be considered that this ritual of Haute Couture is only for the very rich but should be seen by anyone who truly appreciates fashion as an art form. This is where it all began and why we have businesses based on all types of fashion.

Don’t forget style.com and http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/

Fashion By the Rules: MILAN SPRING 2010

In a season, marked by designers not having a clear direction, Milan showed sparks of fabulous by designers doing what they do best. Few forged ahead so as not to tarnish their reputations and yet a few took a look at what they do best and indeed sometimes you just have to play the strong suit.

I nicknamed the VERSACE collection “What would Gianni do” and indeed Donatella came up with the answer.  She stuck to what she does best; sexy, flashy and  nearly over the top clothes. This proved to be the best route to follow. Studded leathers, bold prints, short tight sexy dresses and all with a fabulous 21 st century twist .

BLUMARINE provides with the evolution of a collection, which went from last fall’s extravaganza of leopard and sexy to this seasons spectacle of camouflage, tie dye and still more leopard. The collection is for those who know how to live life and prefer to live it for everyone to see. The clothes were never too young and never too jeweled, always easy shapes for Spring.

PUCCI was a stand out to me for different reasons. Here is an old school, well known , well respected brand where its DNA has all but been obliterated and replaced with , what I can only call “Euro Trash Sexy”. I find it hard to believe that the market requires more of this look when it already dubbed GIVENCHY, the king of this look via the same abandonment. It is sad to see the heritage of these houses discarded when the original designers spent decades building them into powerhouses during the 20^th century. When Lacroix did PUCCI, I believe he got it right. He morphed it into the 21 st century  and didn’t discard its DNA. See for yourself.

As always you can see the full collections on www.style.com and I thank them for the photographs.

I invite you to read my full coverage of the collections  here .

Trend Report: Chains

Both Gemma Redux and Kimberly Faith can be found on www.couturecandy.com