Christian Dior Haute Couture, Fall 2010

The true genius in John Galliano's latest haute couture for the house of Dior is that he did floral with minimal use of print.






Instead, he used shape, colour and texture to shift away from the de rigueur, decorative arena of floral motif and presented flowers in more dynamic formal language; actual, larger than life flowers came down the runway, as opposed to fabrics covered with facsimiles.

Cellophane head-wraps and waists cinched with raffia and ribbon highlighted his dramatic-as-always interpretation, as Galliano wooed his audience/lover with couture bouquets, as if fresh from a Paris flowershop.

As much as I loved the collection, I did not like the shoes...

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.

Cape Town

The fall runways were cloaked in mystery and sophistication as this classic garment continues to inspire designers and gain popularity among fearless dressers. Capes can look dower or costumey, so unless you're going for drama, stick to something sleek and tailored.


A great wearable option, the cape/coat hybrid, swept down many catwalks for Fall 2010. Ann Demeulemeester's collection rocked, with architectural collars and leather whip-cord accoutrements.

The first look out at Christian Dior, Karlie Kloss was stunning in leather. This is a fantastic, rich colour for Fall.

Hannah MacGibbon presented a crocheted cape in her accalimed collection for Chloé.

A short swing coat/cape from Dries van Noten.

If you're not comfortable wearing a cape, you can use seperates to imitate the silhouette. Many designers exhibited a full coat or skirt, with a sloping shoulder and a sleeve placed lower and closer to the body, giving the visual effect of a cape with more wearability. Consider this prim ensemble from Fendi.



For the avant-garde, this angular wrap should set pulses racing. Gareth Pugh asserts his unique vision, season after season.

My, what long legs you have! Volume on the upper body can emphasize sculpted gams, like this bold cape from Yves Saint Laurent.

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.