Fashion Blog

Here are some highlights from Milan’s Fashion Week ‘08:

Dsquared

Designers: Dean and Dan Catan

Popstar Rihanna started this show and ended it, clad in super sexy, bosom-baring gowns that were indicative of the rest of the Dsquared show. The influence of another singer, Amy Winehouse loomed with the plethora of cat’s eyeliner.

Trends: caftans, halter tops, key holes, intricate cut outs, yellow, zippers, off the shoulder, ruffles, tan leather, feathers, royal purple, jewel trim, Grecian details and cigarettes.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana was definitely channeling the 80s this time around. The theme was free-hand painting, which gave way to a collection that was vibrant, young and way fun. As a friend of mine remarked, “Ah, very 80s fashion student avant garde.” And, yes, a little splattered paint never hurt anyone, especially when the splattered upon garment is exquisitely tailored.

Designers: Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce

Trends: brocade, oversized jackets, splattered color, tulle, full skirts, corsets, high waist skirts, floral, cinched waists, and COLOR.

Marni

This was one of my favorite shows. I love the distinct point of view where color and shape are concerned, plus I can’t get enough of that space-aged minimalism.

Designer: Consuelo Castiglioni

Trends: low and loose waists, gathering, salmon, color blocking, square and and wide silhouettes, shifts, synthetic materials, high neck lines, tank dresses, and sheen.

At My Style, they’re giving a “style shout out” to this amazing look on Rachel McAdams and singing the praises of color blocking, one of the hottest and most flattering fall trends.

The Marc-Jacobs-strolling-in-two-hours-late-to-his-show- controversy is discussed at Fashionista. And they have some serious doubts about his threats to skip New York next year.

In more nobody’s-feeling-the-new-Marc-Jacobs line news, Manolo the Shoe Blogger doesn’t get the backwards shoes that were shown (I’ll post pics of them later today).

A succinct rundown of the top 5 trends of Fashion Week Spring 2008 is given at Omiru.

Fashion Week is on, and day one is over. What I love so far is the emphasis on the waist mainly because that’s my best feature, and women like me deserve a little reprieve after the hip-focused multi-year fashion phase we’ve had to endure. Sheesh. I also love the sleeves-with-interest trend that’s happening, which we saw a little of last year–now it’s really booming.

There’s more to come, but here is a bit of what’s gone on so far:

Erin Featherson

Erin Says: “I think the ultimate luxury in fashion is to be yourself, to celebrate your personality.”

Celebs Who Showed: Anna Wintour, Britney Snow

Trends: cinched waist, double-breasted tops, high-waisted shorts, white on white, interesting sleeves, floatyness, turbans, shirt dresses and long jackets:

L. A. M. B.

Gwen Says: “I decided to go back to my roots, to when I discovered the ska bands from England—like Madness and the Specials—that made me what I am today.”

Celebs Who Showed: Eve, Carrie Underwood (weird)

Trends: As Nicole Phelps put it, the collection “looked like the sixties as seen by someone who grew up in the eighties” Damn, I wish I had said that! Anyway, Rude Girl style and 80’s Mod revival were in full effect: blazers, sweater vest, braces, ties, skinny pants, plaid, pleated skirts, trouser shorts, double-breasted jackets, high-waisted shorts, black and white, and knee socks:

Nicole Miller

Nicole Says: “After all those big dresses, it’s time to bring things in.”

Trends: color blocking, rompers, lime, big prints, high-waisted shorts, military (admiral) jackets, interesting sleeves, sailor pants, strong shoulders, black and white, double-breasted tops, high-waisted shorts, cropped jackets, Grecian dresses and gold: