Tie One On!

Bows appeared in many Pre-Fall collections and I anticipate we'll see even more on the fall runways. There's something great about bows, whether it's the perfectly crafted flourish on a sash, or a hap-hazard knot in a scarf.

There were big, floppy cravats at Viktor & Rolf...

... and swarms of tiny bows at Valentino.

A bow makes a great accent over a structured jacket, like this one from Moschino.

Sexy bow-topped stockings at Christian Dior were an interesting contrast to the collection's military theme.

Pre-Fall 2010: the Stand-Outs

I love pre-fall because it's so hit-and-miss, with the train-wrecks almost as much fun as the successes. Here are some of my favourites this year:

Capes have become less costumey and more accessible. I urge anyone who has considered donning this look to go for it this year. Avoid looking matronly by wearing one with modern detailing, like this oversize pocketed version from YSL.

High socks and short skirts? OK, it's a bit "Clueless" campy, but I love the playfulness of this ensemble from Miu Miu, especially the double-strap closure on the coat.

Going from accessories to RTW, a formidable obstacle, seems to be going well for Devi Kroell. I love the clean elegance of this red vest, a perfect counterpoint of volume, front-to-back.

Leather leggings with raised camellias were a high-point at Chanel. This was possibly my favourite collection.

The Burberry Prorsum collection hung on the back of an Emma Watson doppelganger. I can't restrain my enthusiasm for Bailey's trench-dresses. Keep them coming!

A bit of menswear, a bit of corsetry, a lot of cool; Alexander Wang makes it look easy.