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without compromise

At 67 years old, with 44 years’ experience in the fashion industry, Giorgio christian louboutinis immune to the nostalgia that periodically infects fashion.

While the rest of Milan fashion week is awash with 70s-style muslin peasant blouses, the designer described his catwalk show yesterday as “a collection that does not look back to the past uncompromisingly modern”.

Not that is about to strike out in a new direction. This collection had every signature, from elegantly unstructured jackets and drawstring trousers to pure, balletic evening dresses and quietly chic, flat.

Much of the show had typicallyesque boyish overtones. Models wore boxy jackets and wide, cropped trousers in navy, black and white, their hair tucked under baseball caps which were twisted at the back.

Much sexier, though, were the fitted, low-necked, one-button trouser suits in grey and cream houndstooth and, for evening, backless black or white taffeta tuxedo suits. Evening dresses showed off the craftmanship of thestudio. A flesh-coloured sheath was embroidered from shoulder to toe with leaves and climbing flowers made of blue crystal beads; plunging camisoles were encrusted with jet spiderwebs.

For the finale, the muted tones turned to fiery red, with sequinned handkerchief tops teamed with sheer circle skirts heavily embellished with scarlet beaded flowers.

This was the inaugural show for theTeatro, the designer’s 682-seat theatre, which is the centrepiece of the label’s headquarters – a former factory turned into a concrete and glass palace.

Tadao Ando, the Japanese architect of the conversion, which is in Milan’s once downtrodden but now increasingly fashionable Porta Genova canal district, was chosen by Christian Louboutin for his “beautiful, functional, not too luxurious” style. christian louboutin shoes described the theatre, which accommodates a conventional stage as well as the fashion catwalk, as “a small present” to Milan.

For three weeks, myriad pretty dresses were paraded by myriad ravishing models. At the end, even the most professional fashion watchers could not state definitively that hemlines would descend almost to the floor next fall or that legs would be back on view. For a while in the beginning, it seemed that really long skirts were generally accepted by designers with aspirations to style leadership. By the end of the showing season, the situation was fuzzy.

Karl Lagerfeld had put legs back in the limelight with his authoritative collection for Chanel. He was so persuasive that short skirts no longer seemed the exclusive province of the middle-aged and those reluctant to accept change.

Despite the fashion diffusion, some trends turned up repeatedly, from collection to collection as well as from country to country. Here are some that will influence the styles that stores will be offering next fall.

Knitted clothes have returned to fashion’s center stage. Of course, sweaters have never disappeared — they’re far too useful. But it’s not sweaters alone that are coming back. The roster includes knitted jackets, dresses, coats and even crocheted vests that carry echoes of the 1970’s.

Black is the best color for evening, said Oscar de la Renta, who designed the Pierre Balmain collection. There was hardly a designer, with the exception of a few on the fringe of the avant-garde, who would disagree with him. There are literally thousands of dresses in thin fabrics like chiffon waiting to beckon seductively from store racks and windows next fall. These sheer dresses offering peekaboo glimpses of legs, midriffs and bodices will be supplemented by suits in wool, leather and velvet.

Velvet deserves separate mention, for it is not limited to evening. For daytime trousers, velvet is almost as ubiquitous as denim and tweed. These rich-looking pants are often paired with bright or solemn tweed or flannel jackets. For evening, velvet pants and leather jackets are an important duo. Add a white shirt for a most contemporary look.

The white shirt is more than a fashion footnote. It is an important key to fall dressing. Mr. Lagerfeld let shirttails float over his short Chanel skirts. Gianfranco Ferre tucked them into the waistbands of his long leather skirts at Dior. It is a crisp, clean, useful style, more practical than many more exotic entries in the fall fashion race.

Among the exotic styles are the many ethnic fashions. The time, place and precise culture these clothes are supposed to suggest doesn’t seem to matter. The shapes aren’t particularly exotic, but the patterns and colors introduce brightness into the mostly sober collections.

Among the general movements discernible in the collections is that fashion is moving away from strictly tailored suits, and a feeling for softness is taking over. It is better, for instance, to mix the patterns of a jacket and a skirt and pants than to have them match. (It is even desirable to mix a few patterns in the jacket itself, like having the sleeves in a different plaid than the body.)

All of this implies a good deal of freedom in choosing clothes next fall.

One of the cheerful and practical bits of news is that designers everywhere have taken care to develop good-looking winter coats. The princess coat with a great flaring skirt (long enough to graze the shoe tops) is a knockout at many collections. Designers who in the past were content to throw a shawl over a suit or offer a raincoat or two have now taken pains with the design of coats. The most arresting are in bright red.

Delicate ankle-high laced and chunky boots with corrugated rubber soles are the footwear of choice day or night. Sneakers are acceptable (especially those with the Chanel logo), but plain good-taste pumps are not. That’s the way designers see it.

It was obviously not the best fashion season in Europe. No young Lacroix emerged with a pouf skirt that would sweep the world and invigorate other designers. In Paris, especially, it was not the moment for a great creative breakthrough. Relying on superb fabrics and prestigious workmanship, the Italian designers suffered less of a setback. But they did not aspire too high. And they had Giorgio on the one hand to take care of good practical, classic daytime fashion, and Gianni Versace on the other to cast the die for sexy clothes.

Perhaps it is time for fashion designers to take a cool, clear look at how women are living. It might give their clothes more relevance. American designers, who will introduce their collections next week, might do just that.

Jeans:
4 pairs, 2 Gap, 1 Guess, 1 Abercrombie
3 are skinny jeans, one is a bootcut. Should I get some flare pants? are flares out or in for Fall/Winter?

Skirts:
2 Denim, 1 Abercrombie soft plaid

Shorts:
1 knee length Abercrombie fleece in navy
I dont like short shorts

Pants:
3 pairs of Abercrombie fleece ones
1 nice black pair from Gap
1 nice khaki pair from Gap

T-shirts:
Around 4 new ones, I want to get some more- Fall/Winter color fashions?

Nice shirts:
None really for Fall. Fashion ideas?

Shoes:
2 pairs of flip flops, one black, one green
(Polo pair, green with little pink horses)

1 black, open toed wedge

4 ballet flats (1 black, 1 zebra print, 1 red, 1 leopard print)

2 pairs of black heels

sneakers:
none

sweatpants:
1 pair from Abercrombie

handbags:
I want a medium sized Coach, that can carry some makeup, a magazine and a wallet/cell phone. What ones are popular and wont go out of fashion?? Thanks

-late 80s fashions: overalls, volumonous hair (long teased hair, blunt bangs, hair metal look), neon colors, acid washed denim, high rise pants, colored denim (brown, orange, red, olive green).
- shaggy hair and hair gel for guys (remember the greasy look)
- early ’70s fashions: wider-leg pants, plaids, suede boots, paisley prints, mod shirts, frilly skirts.

my “out” predictions:

- ballet flats
- ugg boots
- trucker caps
- polka dot fashions
- ripped jeans
- anything that has a skull on it (pirates of the carribean influenced this style)
- mod shades (think “bug eye” glasses)
- crocs
- military caps

http://z.about.com/d/shoes/1/5/J/l/high_heel_boots.jpg

skirts examples :

http://www.successfullydressed.com.au/catalog/images/Animal%20Print%20Skirt%20-%2046.jpg

http://www.angiehearts.net/v/vspfiles/photos/jk5100b-2T.jpg

sorry for my english, i am not native speaker. i think i meant “flower print” skirt or something like that

The first influence of this season is the highlighted bodice; designers this season are placing more emphasis on fitted shapes with striking color and embroidery or ornaments. Plunging neckline is crisply molded and matched to the extravagant inlays of the skirt with deep neckline and decorative mosaic designs are ruling the fashion modes. With the globalization of fashion trends, simplifying and highlighting the bodice in formalwear designs broadens the designer’s reach across cultural expectations.

The second influence is the bold feminine shape. Pinpointing the key looks, there is a distinct departure from the soft, pretty femininity of the past few seasons for autumn, as designers cut a cleaner silhouette and toyed with the concept of shape. The possibilities of texture and layering are cleverly explored and designers are using sheath, trumpet, princess, mermaid, and a-line styling to create curvy dresses, many with corseted or structured undergarments, reasserting the womanly look in this season’s formal line. Gone are the demure straight silhouettes and the tailored work wear looks of the previous century. The post-9/11 woman sees her public as a proud yet traditionally sensual individual.

The third influence of the season is the new emphasis on soft, feminine expression through silk and chiffon overlays, lace bordering, and beaded or rhinestone hems, lines, and straps. While the partygoer is simply elegant with brilliant structural accents, the bride dons a flowing gown overlayed with embroidered or appliquéd sheath. Soft satin silk is the fabric of choice, with form-enhancing embellishments to match the wearer’s personality.

Color in bold and beautiful

The palette for the season, though predominantly dark, is occasionally electrified with brilliant flashes of color. The traditional shades of black and grey are represented beautifully, supported by bursts of bolds and touches of shine. With a season draped in darkness, refreshing shots of sapphire blue and pops of marvelous magenta or coalesce colors in divine dresses perch up the entire season. Have fun and let bright colors and bold prints accessorize you this fall!

Color in Red

Punctuating the collections like a brilliant exclamation mark, red shows up intermittently, glinting through a mainly muted palette. Sophisticated and classic for the look that says you’re on top of the world.

Black and White

Classic black & white fashions are a hit again in prom 2006 as trend-savvy consumers desire the classic and elegant look. From clean lines to bold stripes and optical waves, monochrome combinations are the seductively simple route to smart dressing. Winter white is an important focus of the season, and it works great for the calendar events like winter or fall formals and cocktails.

Black is Back

Black is the number one staple for the season and will remain so well into 2006. Bright black looks showcase the blustery raven theme in tailored suits, asymmetric tops, and frothy evening gowns.

Gorgeous Grays

Grey is the designers’ shade of choice, and no wonder: restrained, chic, edgy – its subtleties allow for eclectic interpretation, whether sharp as steel in silk or soft in jersey knits. Pin tucks and pleats complement grey’s cool sophistication. Mix shades and textures for a more directional look. Choose hosiery carefully – sheer styles are a flattering option. Soften up with shades of heather gray this season. It is the only color that encompass coziness and comfort while remaining glamorous. Not to mention it looks great on everyone

Chocolate treat

The beginnings of fall bring decadent shades of our favorite indulgence to another level of luxury. Go ahead and indulge in fall’s color palette. The hue drapes beautifully in jersey, sequin or shimmering satin without adding a pound! From rich and dark to creamy and light, chocolate makes everyone feel and look just fabulous!

Eighties Vibes N Trends
Romantic, off the shoulder neckline dress with empire waist in dramatic chiffon drape seem to revive the popular culture for that regal yet fresh and modern look embraced by generation X. Strapless is getting a lot of exposure these days, and the stylists use gems, beads, sheer, and train to add sparkle to the conservative evening. Recapturing the sexiness of the era, the Eighties silhouette is back. Try it in black or jolts of electric colors.

Shimmers and Shines

The warm shine continues into the cooler months. No need for a full metallic blast, instead designers subtly weaved sparkle throughout garments to create a soft yet sexy sheen. For the girls who still want their bling, sequins combined with satin and sheer georgette get you ready for that fabulous evening.

Mini dress Boom

The mini dress or mini skirt for the spring will still reign come the winter, but don’t panic: Stores are ordering them longer. Revolutionary mini dress has resurfaced on the runway with its traditional tunic-like and bodice-less smocks in delicate lace and flowing fabrics. Details of woven necklines, perfectly pretty collars and oh-so-fun pockets will take you back to the mod Swinging London times! Thigh-grazing A-line flirty micro dresses will imbue a girlish charm for the season. There are endless ways—dark opaque hose; leggings; long, long boots—to make the mini work for snow days. Opaque tights and leggings will give these short skirts and tunics a cool stylish and contemporary feel as well.

Formal Opulence
Rewind to the baroque luxury of imperial princess and Seventies glam rockers – gilding, rich fabrics and lavish embroidery with confident insouciance Opulence is the theme for the fall 2006, so drape in this opulence with dress down hair and make-up. Tracking down the allure of historical Helen of Troy and Hollywood Jean Harlow-esque with bias cutting and deep décolleté, designers make them the season’s next big-night numbers.

Prance in Prom wear, Home coming dresses and Eveningwear

Beaded and bangled, sparkling and luster fabrics factor big this prom 2006 season. For prom dress fabrics, it’s smooth satin, silky chiffon, slinky jersey, and lace. Jewel tones in emerald, ruby, sapphire, silver, and gold are important, as well as dress combinations in black and pretty shades of pink. Of course, the geek theme continues strong into this year, paying attention to the details – interesting necklines, pretty fabrics, sparkly touches – to make your prom dress to dazzle. A new trend is a high front slit accompanied by cascading ruffles. Sparkle and shine on the dance floor in shimmering fabrics like organza, glitter ice lace, and lustrous satin. Unique beads and ribbon detailing enhance the figure: rhinestone along the bodice, lace-up ribbon corsetry, criss-cross open backs, or swirls of lace with glitter topping.

New prom silhouettes this 2006 season are in empire waists, princess shapes and A-line separates and modified Mermaid design with a slim bust, waist, and hips that flares out below the knee, the vintage-inspired Empire design with a ruched bodice and flowing, and the lingerie-influenced Corset design with ribbon lacing along the front, side, or back. Rich reds, burgundies, and deep romantic purples and blues pretty coral pinks and turquoise capture the essence of the American Classic look. Winter white and classic black is still strong for early prom events, particularly in strapless dresses.

Fall on Cocktail Numbers

How to achieve fall’s most intoxicating evening look? Mix up equal parts satin, silk, and lace; add an elegant neckline, a defined waist, and a flared, flirty skirt. Serve in a sexy-but-sophisticated knee-length dress. Lace in all forms takes center stage, kept simple and modern in white, ivory, and blush.

Bridal and Ball gowns

Fresh from the runway, designers are showing off the softer side of their style. Big voluminous dresses and hair, delicate beading in unique patterns, gorgeous, floral-worthy embellishments, bodices with unique touches, and vintage-inspired details that are far from old-fashioned.

Whether you want a little or a lot of sparkle—designers worked it in this season from subtle glimmers to bold, beautiful bling. Beading gets worked into the lace on this tank gown with a trumpet skirt for an allover sparkly, shimmery effect. Beside this geometric, concentric, circular pearl design ornaments the bodice of sleek, silk crepe gowns. Strands of crystals form the delicate straps on the silk crepe dropped-waist gown. Flowers on wedding dresses are nothing new. Modern, streamlined back detailing recalls a patterned Art Deco look for these gowns. But this season, designers took a bold twist on the romantic front using color, subtle crystals, and crepe—accents worthy of a modern garden wedding. Embellishments of all kinds graced the bodices of this season’s gowns, from bold color and pretty pleats to refined ruffles. This season, designers took cues from eras gone by and worked retro accents into distinctly modern gowns—with show stopping results.

So now, accessorize yourself in exotic leathers, metal details and new shapes to give fresh interest to accessories when it comes to dressing up this season’s pared-down looks. Carry clutch bags, put on platforms, wedges with elbow-length gloves for that demure, and style to welcome the fashion swing this fall.

Here’s what to look for when you shop for a retro glam or collegiate charm look:

To dress retro glam, don’t be afraid to wear vintage cuts in new and unexpected ways. If a print is a little too old-fashioned for you, have the dress, skirt or blouse altered into a more modern shape. On the other hand, if the cut of the item is very vintage, pair it with modern accessories to avoid a costumed appearance.
Jewelry is key to a retro glam look. A little goes a long way, and try mix up what you wear so as not to appear straight out of Grease, for example. Pearls would be too much with this outfit, so I paired the retro-fitting dress with a long, rock-and-roll chain necklace.
When it comes to retro glam, the bigger the sunglasses, the better.
Here’s what to look for in shoes: a chunkier heel (no stilettos), buckles, round-toes, vintage (gold, red, etc.) or muted colors, mary-jane styles or classic peep-toe pumps.
A scarf completes the retro glam outfit. Tie it loosely, or with a more retro-flair by flipping one end over your shoulder.
For a bit of authentic ladylike coordination, use a clutch instead of your huge, leather tote.
A 50’s/60’s style jacket finishes off the outfit. A bit of boxiness is a must. Look for large buttons or a peter pan collar. With longer dresses/skirts, try a cropped jacket. If you’re wearing something shorter on the bottom, then make sure your coat falls slightly above your hemline, but not too far.

Like what you are reading? Then, here are some tips for your next fall shopping spree:

Start off with an interesting blouse. It can be longer, like a tunic, or a bit shorter. Ruffles are preferred, but not required. A print is good also, but a solid color is easier to coordinate the accessories with.
Every collegiate girl worth her salt knows that some plastic-framed reading glasses add a bit of quirky charm.
A few bright-colored items in a coordinating color family add some conversation pieces to the entire outfit. See how well the colored pants, bracelet and blue cardigan look together? The yellow on this bracelet is a bright color, yes, but is also surprisingly neutral.
A long, grandpa-style cardigan worn over the blouse helps keep you warm, but that’s not the real reason I included it. Skinny jeans are tricky to proportion: if your top is too short, you end up looking very “hippy,” or bottom-heavy, without balance on your upper-half. Use a longer cardigan to correct that and balance out your collegiate charm look.
A big, leather tote bag serves two purposes: one, it has that collegiate – and somewhat scholarly – look we are aiming towards without seeming like a briefcase. And the second reason is that the bag adds a good neutral base for the entire outfit.
Interesting, comfortable shoes with a slight heel to accentuate the skinny pants: these are exactly what I’m talking about.
An outfit with a bit of quirk would not be complete without a standout piece of jewelry, like this snake bracelet.
Skinny pants with color, instead of the classic denim washes, are fun and easier to wear than you might think.

Interested in seeing some great samples of retro glam & collegiate charm? Check out my personal Stylefeed at http://www.stylefeeder.com/profile/jaclyndwile. For a full version of this article, with images, check out http://blog.stylefeeder.com/2008/08/12/retro-glam-collegiate-charm-two-looks-for-fall/.

Two materials expected to be popular this fall are leather and velvet. Leather can be used for just about anything — jackets, pants, skirts, even dresses — although good quality leather can be expensive. And velvet, once considered rather prim and old-fashioned, is expected to be a popular choice this fall, especially in the form of short and eye-catching dresses. Velvet has been featured in the collections of many top designers on runways around the world.

Black and white designs are traditionally more popular during the warmer weather, but this fall should see an increase in the use of the two striking colors. If you are wearing black and white, remember to wear white over the parts of the body you want to show off and black over the parts that you want to de-emphasize.

And in striking contrast, colorful print styles are also making something of a comeback in fall 2009, particularly on slim pants, leggings and skirts. Two popular designers, Boutique Chic and Pamela McCoy both offer some reasonably priced print designs.

One of the most popular and daring trends this fall is the return of shoulder baring tops and dresses by many designers. Not only is this look bold, but it’s also versatile and allows for several different looks. It can be worn just as effectively to the office or to a special occasion. Some of the blouses and tops that feature the bare shoulder look have a halter or a single strap, while some are just slightly off the shoulder. This style also looks particularly attractive when accompanied by a basic up sweep hairstyle.

If you are looking for a new pair of shoes to complement that new outfit, you may see fewer choices this fall. Most designers have also concentrated on practicality and simplicity, rather than elaborate and fancy designs. Darker colors will be in vogue, like black, dark blue, dark green and violet, and details will be kept minimal. Two significant trends for fall 2009 will be over the knee boots and ankle lacing boots. Inspired by the military, these boots can be worn discreetly under a long skirt or pants. Platforms are another hot footwear item this fall.

For some women, an outfit isn’t complete without the right handbag. This fall there are plenty of exciting new styles and looks to choose from. Embellishments and details are in this year, like sequins, gemstones and studs, as are chain handles and straps. The new Guess collection of handbags features plenty of chains, whereas Gucci is safely concentrating on the classics with simple and stylish designs featuring various textures, materials and fabrics.

Fall fashion isn’t just for the ladies. Men can enjoy some new styles and trends too. Fashion experts also predict that in general, men’s clothing will be cut slightly shorter and trimmer this fall. Plaid and denim clothing and thickly knitted sweaters and cardigans are said to be very popular this year. Belted coats, long scarves and deep V-necked cardigans will all be fashionable, as well as wearing work clothes as casual wear, like chic jeans and heavy style work boots, for example.

A good suit is never out of fashion and fall 2009 sees the return of a style that was popular around 40 years ago — the classic three piece suit. If you are striving to be fashionable, choose a waistcoat that matches the other two pieces, rather than something mismatched. Double-breasted suits are also fashionable this fall, particularly those with a slim waist and longer lapels.

And if you are getting married during the next few months, there are several fall trends in wedding dresses that you’ll want to take note of. There is truly something for every bride. Hemline gowns that are shorter in the back, rather than the front, and high neckline dresses with bold accents, particularly in green and blue, are anticipated to be tremendously fashionable. For the ultimate in wedding versatility and style this fall, several designers have introduced a wedding and party dress in one combination, so there’s no need to change after the ceremony!

Fall is all about change. Take a cue from the changing leaves and beautiful landscape. This fall, why not embrace some stylish fashion forward trends and update your wardrobe for the cooler weather?

Some of the best colors for fall are caramel colored browns, taupe, teal, copper, and other fall inspired colors. Jeans are always good no matter what the season, but you can pair them with pretty blouses in fall colors, and high heels. Also, letting go of the shorter shorts for some longer, ankle length shorts is a great idea. Not only will this give you a different look it will also help to keep you a little warmer.

As the weather cools off, and the evening brings a chill in the air, you can wear some really pretty fall colored cardigans or sweaters. Some prints that are toned down compared to the summer fashions are great for fall. Stripes, or small prints, even animal prints are all loved fashions of Fall. Purple is another great color for fall even if you are not a Red Hat Society member.

If the weather is cold where you live during Fall, jackets that are waist-length are great. These look really great with fall dresses and skirts as well as pants and jeans. One of the most amazing Fall jackets is the tie-front waist length jacket. This looks amazing with tight black stretch pants and boots. An oversized shirt is a great thing to add to this outfit. Pair it with some great accessories and a medium sized leather handbag and you’ve got a great fashion.

Hats are in for women during the fall. One of the most popular and beautiful hats is the beret. A simple black or brown one is a great idea, and you can wear it with pretty much anything. Try it with a longer straight skirt and a collared shirt and cardigan. This is a beautiful trendy look.

Accessories for fall are a must have. Layered necklaces and bracelets are hot, and you can compliment your more neutral toned outfit with colorful ones. Try orange, brown, or green ones. Dangling earrings, chunky bangle bracelets, and thick, bold jewelry is a hot fall fashion, and really gives your outfits the finishing touches they need.

Boots are great for fall, whether they’re heeled or not. You can wear them with longer skirts, jeans, and even skinny black pants. These look fabulous with collared shirts, t-shirts, or sweaters. They are especially great when you pair them with the perfect fall jacket that will not only keep you warm but dress you up too.

Fall is a great reason to go shopping for some fresh new looks. If you just want to add some great pieces in to compliment your existing wardrobe, experiment with some different colors, or you’ve had it and are replacing the whole thing, use these tips to help you pick out the right fall fashions.