Get Loose

Loosely woven sweaters in easy summer colours are a trend for Spring 2011 menswear. Relaxed, sexy and great for layering, these pieces are stylish without trying too hard. But please, even if you have Cristiano Ronaldo's body, put something under (or over) an open weave to avoid looking like a complete d-bag.



Gun-metal grey continues to proliferate all corners of fashion, and it looks great on this crocheted tank from Louis Vuitton. Sharp sandals, too.


Summer knits are the picture of casual elegance from Hermès...

... and Dolce & Gabbana.

For the fashion fearless, a loosely woven shirt under a trench is a slick interplay of texture and structure. Burberry Prorsum posterboy Charlie France dominated runways this season.

Badly Mischka

“Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable, we have to alter it every six months.”

The famous words of Oscar Wilde echoed in my head as I viewed the Resort 2011 collection from Badgley Mischka.

What happened, boys? Normally your work is the epitome of modern glamour. This season’s offering of lop-sided and gaudy eye-sores means you’re losing even more ground to Marchesa. Pick it up.

Prada, Spring 2011

A few years ago in an art theory class, my professor asked us “Can anyone name one, undeniable, unequivocal truth?”

I promptly raised my hand and said “Prada.”

It was more than a quip. Among Miuccia Prada's many gifts is the ability to culminate concepts into fully realized collections. No matter where she ventures thematically, the arc of her aesthetic remains clear.



There was a nod to sportswear with wrap-around sunglasses, complete with neckstraps. Let’s hope there was some irony here and this trend doesn’t step off the runway.

Elusions to hospital scrubs manifested in the palette of clear blues and the boxy shape of T-shirts and shorts.

Schoolboy resonances sounded in the styling...

... and accessories: bags which came down the runway emblazoned with varsity letters and clutched like lunchbags, and bracelets that looked like that perennial summer-camp diversion (do you remember how to do “square”?).

The mixture of references culminated below the ankle, where wingtips sat atop layered soles that were part espadrille and part runner.

Jackets featured extreme tailoring in the waist.

Sweaters further developed a V-shaped torso, emphasizing shoulders with solid colour boat-necks...

...and bright stripes across the chest.

Despite the eclectic inspirations, the collection retained that distinctive, cohesive and utterly desirable quality that is, in a word: Prada.

Party Girl

Erin Fetherston's Resort 2011 presentation contained a number of adorable party dresses.

I love the neckline on this frock...

... and the placement of the pleats on this khaki number.

Although not the easiest shape to wear, this was my favourite dress in the collection, for it's youthful sophistication and visual clarity.

Black and White: Resort 2011

This year's Resort presentations weren't very "resort-y". There was a marked transition away from fanciful vacation attire towards elegant and practical dressing. Many designers favoured black and white over bold colour, acknowledging that, especially with today's airline baggage limits, the most important thing when one packs for a sojourn is versatility. Also, as globalization surges forward and destinations on both sides of the equator become equally enticing, the notion of the winter getaway to a warmer climate may be a thing of the past.

Boater hats appeared at Oscar de la Renta...

... and Jason Wu. I doubt this trend will make it far off the runway, but it was a very cute statement. I also adore the visual effect of the off-kilter pattern on this tiered dress.

Christian Dior presented this boldly striped coat.

Erin Fetherston grabbed my attention this season, particularly with this crisp, tuxedo-inspired look.


Diane von Furstenberg makes great use of pattern with this black and white halter two-piece.

Narciso Rodriguez used the simple palette to create balance and simplicity.

I will never tire of a high waisted mermaid skirt with a collared shirt, like this ensemble from Carolina Herrera. It's the type of sophistication that no girl can pull off - it requires a woman.

Ms Herrera also presented this exquisitely fun party dress, for those who find the previous look too staid. I can't think of a girl who wouldn't want this one.