February 22nd, 2008

Fall 2008 -- The Return of the Grown-Up:
"While the baby doll dresses and loose-fitting shifts were a true joy to wear on weekends, they simply weren't appropriate attire for conservative or male-dominated workplaces. Let's face it, it's difficult to be taken seriously by colleagues and clients when one is dressed like Mia Farrow circa 'Rosemary's Baby' . . . That's precisely why I'm so excited to see a certain more formal, 'grown-up' aesthetic emerge from the Fall/Winter 2008-09 runway shows."

For a classic example of an understated, grown-up aesthetic, check out the Bottega Veneta Winter Collection below (take care not to drool all over your keyboard):

Anya Hindmarch and the Power of the Handbag:
"My mother gave me one of her Gucci cast-offs when I was 16 and it made me feel fantastic. The power of that handbag was the impetus for my business . . . But I'm not a slave to fashion. However nice it makes you feel, it is a frivolous subject in that it doesn't save lives."

8 Trends for Your Upcoming Fall Wardrobe:
#8) "Show-stopping accessories -- Hats, fur stoles, elbow-length gloves, big cuff bracelets, colorful shoes and bold necklaces are just some of the bold accessories designers are showing for fall. The Proenza Schouler collection paired suede pumps in bright colors with colorful opaque tights. And statement purses, from oversized totes to roomy clutches, are here to stay."

At Dolce & Gabbana, the Long Extravagant Party is Over:
"Dolce & Gabbana is the first label to have the courage to go unequivocally for the calf-length skirt, for solid clothing and for a new, anti-party look. There was almost nothing of their slinky or trashy, nightclub clothes, although the male tailoring, which is their signature, had a walk-on role. Since fashion often reads the tea leaves better than the analysts, perhaps the party really is over and the "R" word (recession) has given to these two powerful designers a new edge."

Below is a video clip of the collection that subdued the fashion crowd:

But never fear -- DSquared2 is happy to pick up where Dolce & Gabbana left off:

Oscar Week Fashion Frenzy is ON!:
"The Oscars generate an estimated $130 million for the local economy alone, according to the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp. This includes $51 million spent by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the ceremony and all related events; $56 million in studio spending on Oscar campaigns; $5 million in gifting and "perk" related business; $3 million on parties (this is usually $4 million but cancellations this year brought it down), and $2.5 million on hotels."