Fashioned

Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011

2011-01-24T16:05:00.000-06:00

Almost every garment in this collection has a sheer overlay, which is a look I really like. Beautiful embroidery and embellishment is classic Dior, of course.

This is the first of a couple of 'back-to-front' effect jackets, which I'm liking a lot. This has a lot of volume in the front, but the back, which you can see at the side, in the second photo, is the real treat.

This is my favorite 'backward' jacket, and again, you can see the back in the second photo. I could see this shape in a much more casual, and cold-weather look with pants and a turtleneck underneath the jacket.

The beautiful cutaway coatdress is nothing to sneeze at either. I love the play of overlay and no overlay.

One more volume jacket, and the asymmetry of the pattern on the fabric and the overlay is quite fetching. The back is on the next photo as well as a lovely dress.

This angled volume is wonderful. I love the top with the volume and sheer overlay emphasized on the right, and the skirt with the volume, overlay and embroidery on the left. Too perfect.

How sophisticated is this? The embroidery once again enhances the design rather than just being a beautiful addition. I am just so impressed with the way every single element of this design adds to the complete package. There's not a false note anywhere.

Christian Dior Couture Fall 2009

2009-07-06T21:59:00.000-05:00

A very pretty portrait neckline with embellishments shown below.

A beautifully draped jacket.

This is a bubble skirt I really like. There are several in this collection, and they seem much more integrated into the whole than most skirts of this style do.

Great use of stripes.

A very pretty way of widening the shoulder. The detail below shows the interesting folds.

A very unusual jacket shape, with exposed darts on the collar.

Another multi-layer jacket with dotted tulle overlay on the inner layer.

A pretty asymmetric neckline.

An unusual bodice with almost a trompe l'oeil effect, and another cute bubble skirt.

Another beautiful bodice on this dress.

Isn't this skirt the most fun?

Giorgio Armani Resort 2010

2009-07-05T17:39:00.000-05:00

Full cropped pants seem right for resort, but perhaps won't carry on through.

The same style does make a cute shorts silhouette.

Nice use of a large-scale print.

Chado Ralph Rucci Resort 2010

2009-07-05T17:26:00.001-05:00

Here are those bell sleeves again.

Very pretty seaming details and I love the pockets.

Tied with a bow. How cute is this, and very wearable.

An iconic jacket shape.

Seemingly simple, yet with lots of intriguing and intricate details.

One of his favored dress shapes, but a bit more casual, and suitable for daywear.

Even more casual in feel, yet intricately constructed.

Faggotting with 'worms' for a very cute set.

So fresh looking. The pieced seaming is so pretty with this fabrication.

More obvious and possibly more impressive work, but ultimately, not as attractive.

Armani Privé Spring 2009 Couture

2009-01-28T16:21:00.002-06:00

Beautiful in a pique weave print.

Another lovely belted suit with a great buckle.

Another thing I'm noticing about these suits is that they're using the princess seam/bust dart combination so often seen in Marfy patterns.

Beautifully cut jacket with great button/loop detail. I love the contrast lining.

A departure from the rest of the jackets, and very nice.

Great pockets.

An interesting lace top.

A nice boxy jacket with contrast collar and lapels, and interesting sleeves.

Dimensional lace embellishment.

Interesting treatment of a print. Detail below.

Anne Valérie Hash Spring 2009 Couture

2009-01-28T15:58:00.000-06:00

I like the double front on this blouse. Detail below.

Interesting seaming and ruching, which you can see better below.

Small lace panels with intricate seaming.

Stéphane Rolland Spring 2009 Couture

2009-01-28T02:15:00.000-06:00

Wonderful horizontal pleating.

Little Black Dress group.

More pleats and a dropped waist.

Interesting blend of very sheer and mens-wear influence.

An unusual lapel treatment.

Lovely draping and nice embellishment.

Unusual embellishment, but very effective.

Very dramatic.

Chanel Spring 2009 Couture

2009-01-28T01:36:00.000-06:00

Beautiful braided trim, paper floral decoration, and look at the square shoulders throughout.

Pleated sheer sleeve godets.

Nice proportions with a cap-sleeve jacket.

Lots of horizontals and a nice matelasse.

A lovely spring costume.

Amazingly intricate fabric. It looks like it's constructed with ribbons, trims and embroidery.

Sequins and feathers.

Wonderful stripe manipulation, and the stripes are formed with bugle beads.

Glass-paper embroidery.

Very interesting cut and I love the pockets, below.

A very interesting skirt, but I'm not sure how flattering it is.

Christian Dior Spring 2009 Couture

2009-01-27T20:29:00.000-06:00

I think this must be the dress with the 2500 meters of ribbon. Quite a tour de force, but I'm not sure it's terribly appealing. There is quite a group of skirts with this shape, which does not necessarily carry on all the way around the skirt.

More ribbon and a tulip skirt.

A very interesting sleeve treatment, with an extended flange over the shoulder and sheer sleeves underneath. Almost a medieval/renaissance construction.

Pretty choker holding the twist draping.

I like the top of this. Very interesting dart shaping and the curved hip seams are unusual, but seem to fit in. This cap sleeve is used a lot in this collection. Detail below.

He uses a lot of cartridge pleating in applied pieces, both on the skirt here, and on the bodice at the shoulder. Beautifully embroidered fabric.

This is just so appealing, and so young.

Control through pleating/gathering.

A very soft hem on the top.

Beautiful hip emphasis and embroidery.

Beautiful soft neckline and dimensional flowers.

Classic Dior ballgown.

I love the Delft embroidery on the inside of the skirt.

If you love beautiful fabric, you have to love this dress.

Interesting construction. It's all inside out, as are many in this collection, but how perfectly done. Love the wavy seam allowances. Details below.

Valentino Spring 2009 RTW

2008-10-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

The third and final show by Alessandra Facchinetti, the designer who succeeded Valentino himself.

Interesting neckline trim. Detail below.

A cute little shorts-suit with more pretty trim/embellishment.

A pretty jacket with a very demure collar.

A pretty beaded bodice with a cute skirt drape.

A soft chiffon dress.

A beautifully draped jacket.

Another draped jacket. I think I'd like them with wide-leg pants in a matte fabric.

A more classic jacket style, with interesting chiffon accents that you can see much better in the photo below.

Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 RTW

2008-09-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

There's a little bit of everything at Marc Jacobs.

Very interesting zip-front jacket with strap sleeves for extra interest and squareness. Sleeve detail is visible below.

Leather with a tweed contrast. Lots of skirts with this hobble-hem, bustle-back look. Detail below.

One of several sleeveless jackets, in a great fabric.

Sleeveless tunic with a bound-edged apron feel.

More bound edges.

Extreme layering.

A sweatshirt with a very structured shoulder.

Nicole Miller Spring 2009 RTW

2008-09-06T13:38:00.000-05:00

Interesting drape on this top.

Lots and lots of prints in this collection.

An unlikely use for menswear fabric.

Great use of a border print.

Rachel Roy Spring 2009 RTW

2008-09-06T13:21:00.001-05:00

Graphic detail on a nice sheath.

A cute little jacket.

An interesting sheer top.

Elie Tahari Spring 2009 RTW

2008-09-06T13:11:00.000-05:00

A simple-chic dress.

Cute ruffled neckline on a very wearable tunic.

BCBG Max Azria Spring 2009 RTW

2008-07-23T13:03:00.000-05:00

Lots of floaty drapery at Max Azria.

A nice evening look.

One of the "T-Shirt" dresses in the collection. Interesting draping.

Cute hem treatment.

More nice draping.

A very pretty jersey day dress.

Another nice, basic dress.

Chado Ralph Rucci Resort 2009 RTW

2008-07-23T00:38:00.000-05:00

A sporty looking set.

A top with volume.

A beautiful collar on this lovely suit.

Pintucks or topstitching gives this a modern look.

A very Oriental effect in a stiff woven.

A great dress in the Claire McCardell vein.

A simple dress in a unique fabric.

Nobody does perfectly simple like Rucci.

Bill Blass RTW Resort 2009

2008-07-23T00:25:00.000-05:00

A very nautical effect with a bow-blouse and extra wide trousers.

Nice stripe mix.

Another bowed blouse, but with a more open neckline this time.

A darling dress, and a lovely silhouette.

A great graphic print, and another bow.

A very nice ensemble, and great color placement.

Sophia Kokosalaki RTW Resort 2009

2008-07-23T00:14:00.000-05:00

Military styling to the fore.

What an interesting top.

A great necklace, and a nice, plain dress.

A very basic and very wearable, cute jacket.

John Galliano Resort 2009 RTW

2008-07-23T00:07:00.000-05:00

Cute print and a nice, swingy skirt.

We're seeing a lot of this top style lately.

The deep hem treatment gives this the long over short proportion in one piece.

Roland Mouret Resort / Spring 2009 RTW

2008-07-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

An interesting origami belted skirt and shell.

Another version with pants this time.

A lovely raised neckline on this jacket.

A strategically knotted cocktail dress.

A cute top.

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-10T00:05:00.001-05:00

A really intriguing ensemble with a cropped jacket with oversized faggotting and a ruffled top.

Amazing pleating on this coat. See detail below.

Unusual details, such as a metal lapel mesh a la Whiting & Davis, and a really nice mesh scarf with pearls.

A tour de force with bias tubing. Herringbone Battenburg in effect.

I rather like all the little straps with the top showing beneath.

Interesting coat with what looks like another metal mesh for the midriff section.

I love this knitted piece! Shades of the White Queen Through the Looking Glass.

Very Orientale smoking jacket with metal mesh harem pants.

Dior Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

I love the drape on this suit. Very vintage, very dramatic.

So 1920's Bathing Beauty.

Beautiful lace skirt and peplum.

Beautiful draping on the bodice.

Anne Valerie Hash Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-09T22:36:00.000-05:00

Lovely pintucking which controls the shaping.

More pintucks and what a cute sleeve, which you can see below.

Such an interesting silhouette with the high-waisted, full coat and the skinny satin leggings.

Interesting folds on this sheath.

Armani Privé Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-05T01:21:00.000-05:00

Great bow detail.

Interesting collar on the chiffon blouse, and of course a perfectly tailored jacket.

Another beautiful blouse with this pantsuit.

A beautifully draped jacket with fur collar.

A nice slip dress with interesting skirt draping.

This jacket looks familiar, and very wearable.

An interesting closure, trumpet sleeves and nice stripe usage.

A molded gown.

An intriguing use of the rolled hem for a striped effect.

Valentino Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-04T23:55:00.001-05:00

Lots of new things to see at Valentino this season with Alessandra Facchinetti designing the collection.

A very modern silhouette.

A tucked, flat jabot is a real contrast to the lace skirt.

Zipped coat with skirt.

Beautiful draping.

A real statement suit.

Interesting color work and chiffon accents.

A fantasy blouse.

Beautiful passementerie on this coat.

Another blouse with jabot, although I could wish that it had sleeves.

A beautiful bell-shaped skirt with embellishment and chiffon trained leggings.

A beautifully sequined and embroidered suit with darling collar and cuffs.

A bead-smocked jabot on a beaded dress.

A gorgeously beaded little jacket over a lighter-than-air skirt.

Beautifully cut chiffon gown. You can see the french dart detail below, and the embroidered modesty panel at the neckline.

Givenchy Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-03T23:01:00.000-05:00

Beautiful detailing on this leather coat.

An interesting garment.

Christian Lacroix Fall 2008 Couture

2008-07-03T22:19:00.000-05:00

Like whipped cream with a jacket. Look at those gorgeous sleeves!

Matching lace tights and skirt.

The fabric in this coat is just wonderful, and take a look at the beaded tulle hem detail below.

Another coat with great fabric.

Yet another wonderful fabrication. Hand painted with tiny touches of beading.

This dress appears to be needlefelted.

What a lovely blouse, and look at the cap sleeves with lace undersleeves.

A beautiful lace wrap.

Just an amazing combination, and it works.

Almost a muff effect with the pockets on this dress. A beautiful fabrication for this stunning ensemble.

No strapless brides here. It has an almost Korean influence along with the Infanta look.

Chanel Couture Fall 2008

2008-07-03T15:53:00.001-05:00

Cartridge pleat treatment controlling the waist. Tiny fringe at the hems.

Lovely oversized coat, and shoulder emphasis without huge shoulders.

Same cartridge pleats, but this time at the hem also.

Zippers and chinchilla are quite the pairing. A nice coat/dress combination.

I can't say I care for the effect produced by cartridge pleating on the shoulder and sleeve, but it is interesting.

The Military influence continues.

This charmingly applied pattern is just like a wrought-iron fence.

A lovely coat.

A very casual, active-wear cut, and smocking at the waist. The rolled hem is a wonderful detail. This is so cute in a wool bouclé and would be very wearable for anyone. Detail shot of the seaming and smocking below.

Getting a little wild now with the hem, but the tunic would make a great dress.

Interesting.

The sleeves do look very cute.

Sophisticated yet demure in gray, and what a sweet and very unexpected hood.

A different kind of volume with applied petals as ruffles.

Lots of this tubular stuff which I think is really fun!

A wonderful look with flattened chevron smocking at the center waist. Detail below.

Very 1930's Hollywood Glamour shoulders, and very nice.

A simple silhouette, and so wearable in any length or fabrication.

A beautiful raised neckline with flattened smocking controlling the bodice and opening into the skirt fullness.

I love the bodice's applied design that creates a new fabric. See the detail below.

Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2008 RTW

2008-02-11T02:24:00.000-06:00

Interesting painted fabric in a familiar shape.

Pintucked sheer for this twinset. Details below.

One of many garments incorporating sheer or transparent bands for a floating effect.

A lovely dress with great detailing.

Interesting fabric detailing is a signature Rucci effect.

Darling ensemble with reptile skin.

Another pretty laced and faggoted effect.

Intricate detailing.

An unusual effect with the raised zipper.

More transparent bands and horizontal pintucks.

A very painterly effect with softened fabric edges and a cardigan made from fiber loops.

Gorgeous modern twinset with a textured organza pant.

Interesting shrug that looks like trapunto.

Very unusual straps with one diagonal spaghetti strap and one wider beaded strap. Beautiful effect of lightness with use of sheer painted fabric.

Darling textural tank and painted skirt.

Beautiful suit with transparent insets and edging, faggoted piecing and a great print. Very rounded shoulder shape.

A fabulous applique jacket, and look at the work below.

A beautiful evening look.

Almost a look of armor with a gorgeous overskirt, and another shrug, this time in reptile.

Christian Dior Spring 2008 Couture

2008-01-26T03:20:00.000-06:00

Every kind of decorative fabric effect was on display at Dior. Embroidery, beading, sequins, appliqué, paint, etc., and all so very beautifully done.

Very interesting shapes, and yards of duchesse satin at Dior.

A statement, certainly.

Everyone's reliving the 1960's this season, but this is special.

So intricately done, and wonderful fabrication.

This hearkens back to last year's geisha pieces. Very lovely.

Woven waistline detail, and an almost painterly jacket.

Sequins used to create a mosaic effect.

This is not moiré fabric, it is fabric embroidered with a moiré motif.

A beautiful rendition of the sacque-back suit, with fantastic beading and embroidery, shown in detail below.

More gorgeous beading, and just a fun dress.

An elegant evening coat, with touches of Klimt.

Armani Privé Spring 2008 Couture

2008-01-26T02:40:00.000-06:00

Interesting pleating and use of pinstripes as well as shoulder volume.

Tiny woven checks and more accessorized detailing.

Tiny cap sleeves, dimensional patch pockets and another lantern skirt.

Intricate pleating; details below.

Applied triangles add a touch of whimsy.

An ethereal, yet very modern look. Tracery beading shown below.

More pleating and more of the interesting cylindrical decorations.

More pleating, triangles and stripes.

What a wonderful skirt.

Slight asymmetry in this jacket seems very fresh.

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2008 Couture

2008-01-25T01:37:00.000-06:00

Flanges added to the shoulders to make them even sharper and broader.

Nice use of a pleated fabric.

Beautiful fabric manipulation, and a close-up below.

Interesting take on the mermaid/fish theme. You can also see a back view of the suit above.

Very pretty vest/top with shell details shown below, and jacquard pants.

Interesting use of stripes with applied bands.

Almost a millefleur fabric, with woven ribbon trim.

An intricately beaded net and scales effect. Detail below.

Lace and beading.

Givenchy Spring 2008 Couture

2008-01-24T23:27:00.000-06:00

Some interesting cuts at Givenchy

I'm not sure this quite works, but I kind of like it.

Very unusual, to say the least.

Does this remind anyone else of Easter Eggs.

Valentino Spring 2008 Couture

2008-01-24T23:10:00.000-06:00

A beautiful show.

Just beautiful, and how delicately feminine.

A perfectly cut coat with a bow to the retro.

Isn't the curved empire line cute with the swingy little skirt?

The perfect modern trench coat.

Beautifully wearable passementerie trim.

A perfectly charming spring frock, and below we can see a little of the construction details.

Very pretty, with lots of intriguing details.

Beautiful suit in a slightly textured weave with a soft print.

A very unusual jacquard weave.

Asian inspired embroidery.

An interesting twist on black and white.

A very chic evening look.

Chanel Spring 2008 Couture

2008-01-24T22:40:00.000-06:00

Or, as someone said, Baby Chanel.

Honestly, it's a very youthful collection, not always in a good way. Flat shoes throughout with consciously awkward stances. I don't know that it serves the clothes well, but it does make an apparent point about who the preferred Chanel customer will be. I would think it might be a little disappointing for all the house's loyal customers to realize that none of the garments being shown were designed for them and their lives. Certainly with changes, they'll be perfectly wonderful, but it's a bit hard being second choice, for anyone.

Here are the more adult choices, in my opinon, anyway.

Gray is still in, with a minimalist trim level.

Cute pockets and interesting under-arm seaming.

I like this dress/jacket look, and I like the collar.

Looped-up pleats, and I guess fringed trim is not dead yet.

Another cute pleated bubble skirt. I think this could be pretty in a longer, more wearable length in a very soft fabric.

You can always rely on seeing a nice dropped-waist look at Chanel.

I like the neckline, and the draping on the skirt, if not the length.

So feminine, and what a beautiful line. Look at the wonderful fabrication below.

Very nice '60's ring collar and great sleeves.

Somehow, not the most flattering look in the show.

Kind of an appealing jacket silhouette, but how much better without the chopped-off skirt. The sleeves would be very tricky to wear with all that width, but the curves are pretty.

A beautifully constructed gown with a graceful skirt and not so aggressively flat shoe.

The ruffles under the sleeves remind me forcefully of the sea-creature suits of a few years ago.

RM by Roland Mouret Fall 2007 RTW

2007-07-05T19:10:00.000-05:00

It's so nice to see Roland Mouret back in business! He's emphasizing daywear, always a nice plan for most of us.

Here's a clever, wearable dress.

Interestingly shaped coat.

A unique skirt shape, but another ubiquitous "hoodie" although with shaping seams.

Looks like a Lycra blend for sure.

A cute little sporty jacket with stand-away patch pockets.

A real handkerchief skirt.

The top-to-bottom zipper shaping is clever, but I'm not sure it adds so much.

Christian Lacroix Couture Fall 2007

2007-07-05T18:28:00.000-05:00

Beautiful, beautiful fabric in the perfect design. Great hat, too!

Theda Bara lives! Isn't it intriguing, though?

Wonderful Spanish-influenced jacket.

Beautifully draped skirt on a very classic style dress.

Very cute cropped velvet jacket.

Printed coat and fur.

Almost a smocked effect at the shoulders. This is entirely lovely.

Chanel Couture Fall 2007

2007-07-05T18:02:00.000-05:00

A bit futuristic, but nice. All emphasis and adornment is rooted at the side seams in this collection.

A pretty, clean-looking suit.

Another very classic look, again seemingly borrowed from the 1960's.

A very wearable tunic/dress. And what an easily achieved trim, but what emphasis it gives.

I rather like the combination of a quilted skirt with a tweed jacket. Cute skirt edging detail, too.

Great color in a ladylike style. Classic.

It doesn't look particularly comfortable, but it's certainly striking, and a very unique idea. Close-up below.

I think it's the soft, quiet color combination that is most appealing here.

Interesting jacket with the evening dress.

Trompe l'oeil in a good way.

Fantastic fabric!

Still seeing a bit of the dropped waistline this season.

Vionnet Fall 2007 RTW

2007-03-06T01:33:00.000-06:00

What an interesting collar and sleeves.

Very unusual pleating.

I like the collar, and the embroidery is great too.

Quite an interesting dress, with unusual sleeves.

I like the wrap collar/belt on this jacket. Great dress fabric too.

A little of the classic Vionnet look here.

Donna Karan Fall 2007 RTW

2007-02-11T22:46:00.001-06:00

A cute jacket shape in the ubiquitous colors of her Fall Collection.

An interesting tunic.

A bulkier fabric, used very well.

A face-framing collar.

Almost a 1920's sweater suit feel to this.

Interesting draping.

Ralph Rucci Spring 2007 Couture

2007-02-11T22:30:00.001-06:00

Light as a feather.

The thinnest of fringed single layers for the top and all the other pieces as well.

Appliqué, not a print.

Beautifully embellished, and yet so airy.

Beautiful embroidery.

A lovely and wearable take on the Empire line.

Similar to last season's cutaway ballgown skirts, but so much lighter.

A gloriously loopy top with a graphic skirt.

Braids stitched into a bolero, like a modern Battenburg tape, over a braided and fringed gown.

Chado Ralph Rucci Fall 2007 RTW

2007-02-07T22:29:00.000-06:00

Great detailing on the skirt.

Classic Rucci coat shape with similar detailing.

A beautifully pin-tucked and laced knit dress.

Another beautifully detailed suit.

Another oh, so intriguing suit.

Another stunning jacket from skins.

Very interesting use of contrast patterns.

Darling jacket shape in this suit.

Rucci's take on the season's sheath dress.

Very fresh looking knotted fringe.

Two-layer apron dress.

Signature Rucci illusion applique with a leather braid.

A unique evening silhouette with an unusual bobbled trim.

Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2007 RTW

2007-02-07T21:47:00.001-06:00

Classic Rodriguez cut in this jacket.

An interesting stand-up collar on this coat.

Bill Blass Fall 2007 RTW

2007-02-07T21:47:00.000-06:00

Primary colors at Bill Blass.

Classic coat style in a classic fabric.

A knit dress with an interesting cut and fresh color combination.

A funnel-necked jacket and pleated trousers.

Playing with the pinstripes.

Very nice.

I love the blue leopard print, and the suit shape is pretty cute too.

Great use of a really large-scale pattern.

The bands add just the right touch for a so-comfy suit.

Very nice leather trim.

Elie Saab Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-27T00:51:00.001-06:00

A lovely lace dress with bolero.

Just perfect.

Classic goddess gown.

Bold stripes are charming here, and soften the black bodice.

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-27T00:41:00.001-06:00

A very pretty pantsuit.

I like this silhouette very much, and it seems to be all over this season.

Christian Lacroix Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-27T00:27:00.001-06:00

Classic navy/white dots on a cute spring dress.

A dropped waist dress looks fresh.

A cute trapeze coat.

A very pretty petalled skirt on a lovely dress.

Valentino Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-26T20:47:00.000-06:00

A darling tiny, off-the-shoulder bolero.

Another dress/bolero combination, with intricately finished details including pleated patterns in the skirt, as shown below.

A beautifully cut jacket with interesting horizontal detailing on the bodice and the sleeves.

A delicately beautiful coat with large piping detail.

A rather simply-shaped top and skirt, but look at the shoulders, below.

A very pretty suit with padded edging.

A beautiful combination of fabrics, garments and silhouette.

The coat everyone's talking about.

The bodice of this dress has very interesting lines.

Givenchy Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-26T20:23:00.000-06:00

Showcasing the combination Naval Uniform/Mermaid theme.

An interesting print from head to toe.

Naval details in a wild print.

Interesting trim using wrapped stuffed tubes.

The one very lovely thing here. Chiffon overlays, and the mermaid theme is continued with the "coral" shoulders, shown below.

A net jacket which gives the effect of being encrusted by sea creatures.

Showing mastery over the fabric.

Armani Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-25T21:02:00.001-06:00

Scimitar lapels at Armani.

How moderne.

A very pretty suit.

A little origami influence in a beautiful light windowpane fabric.

A matelassé tunic with an interesting shape.

I can't tell exactly what this is; an overblouse of beads, or just jewelry, but it gives a real touch of intrigue to what is essentially a tank top and a skirt.

A very interesting draped jacket, with a python skirt.

Christian Dior Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-24T18:13:00.000-06:00

Madama Butterfly with origami accents.

So intricately done.

A fabulous cocktail look.

Just fabulous!

How truly sculptural, and a great Watteau train on a strapless gown.

A wonderful evening suit.

A great kimono interpretation.

A kimono suit with silk ribbon embroidery and a cricket belt. Close up of the belt below.

An unusual woven effect with a bonsai hat.

A glorious shape, with quilted details.

Wave coat.

Very dramatic.

A Japanese Flamenco twist.

Total confection.

A masterful juxtaposition of fabrics.

Just lovely.

A classic opera coat shape, beautifully rendered.

The bride.

Chanel Spring 2007 Couture

2007-01-24T17:38:00.001-06:00

Wonderful details in this spring suit.

Another interesting example of grain manipulation, and banded edging. Still the very rounded shoulders.

Hemlines are rising.

Neomodern lines, and a cute stand-up collar.

A perfect touch with the use of contrast.

What a wonderful reworking of classic Chanel elements, and they look so fresh.

Delicate feather edging on a finely pleated blouse.

I like this neckline with the small rolled collar.

The top of an intricate two piece dress.

An asymmetrically closed jacket, and the return of the carwash skirt.

Close up of the beautiful jacket detailing.

A wonderful cocktail blouse.

What an interesting shape, with some eyecatching detail as well.

Very Poiret.

Almost a shirtwaist effect, and what an interesting use of trim to control the fabric.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-20T01:00:00.000-05:00

Lace with a severe skirt.

Cute front closures.

Chado Ralph Rucci Fall 2006 Couture

2006-09-20T00:52:00.000-05:00

A lovely Edo print, and the colors are delectable.

A seemingly haphazardly wrapped coat.

Beautiful embellishment on this ensemble.

Interesting color choices for this mirror-image applique pattern.

"Randomly" placed squares on this tunic.

Very much the grande-dame effect, with a very painterly effect to the bodice.

Chado Ralph Rucci Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-20T00:43:00.000-05:00

Classic coat and skirt duo with graphic print top.

Understated colorblocking with a delicate bracelet-like edge finish on the cuffs, collar and hem.

Graphic print twin-set with a python skirt.

One of several skin-look suits and a very nice blouse.

A dress with shaped panels.

Cutwork on this pantsuit, I believe. His pant is not exaggerated in style or shape at all.

Quite the cute little jacket top.

His classic front hem slit trouser with a faggoted blouse.

Porcupine quill trimmed jacket.

Feather-trimmed dress.

A beautiful juxtaposition of tailored and feminine.

A beautiful combination.

An unusual bodice and a lovely presentation.

More of his signature skins, but for evening.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-20T00:24:00.000-05:00

A very pretty graduated print dress with matching shoes.

A cute, casual 2-piece dress with asymmetric collar.

A nice neckline, and very chic.

Apron dress with cute beaded applique embellishment shown in the detail shot below.

A very cool-looking tucked blouse and skirt from unusual eyelet fabric, shown below.

Classic shirtwaist dress in herringbone.

Raised-waist cap-sleeve blouse with wider straight-leg cuffed pant.

A very cute halter-effect neckline with a cute bow detail.

A very heavily embellished lace skirt and jacket.

Shaped piecing on a fabric with tiny tucks gives an unusual effect.

Tailored eveningwear in a heavily embroidered and beribboned fabric.

Zac Posen Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

Very ladylike, and we're going the high-waisted pant route.

A very romantic poet's blouse, with low-waisted pants.

An interesting design. Plain and classic.

A great blouse with a nice suit.

Beautiful volume and a lovely design.

This bodice style is showing up all over the runway this spring, and what a pretty version this is.

I love the smocked/woven effect on the blouse.

The winner for Shortest Trenchcoat of the Season so far.

Cute military influenced top and skirt.

Anna Sui Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

Always interesting prints at Anna Sui.

One of the prettier babydoll dresses this spring.

An interesting twist top, and I like the juxtaposition of prints.

A blouse with a rolled-hem edging.

A cute overdress design, and the stripes are classic. Very Marie Antoinette, yet wearable.

Lela Rose Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-12T00:16:00.000-05:00

A cute overall sundress.

Intricate neckline on this blouse.

Lace and chiffon tucked babydoll dress.

An A-line empire design with tie neckline.

A very ladylike coat.

A short version of the goddess gown.

Unusual chiffon trim on this gown.

Who would have guessed that ruffled flange sleeves would return?

Tuleh Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

A romantic blouse in an interesting print.

A puff-sleeved, belted overblouse with beautifully cut pants.

A charming dress with a bell skirt.

An embroidered, snap-front placket dress.

Grain manipulation in a dressmaker suit.

A retro 2-piece dress.

Luella Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-11T23:47:00.000-05:00

Mirror-embroidered tank dress.

Contrast lapel jacket over a full skirt and vest.

Cargo pants with a feminine effect.

Very slim pants with matching shoes.

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-11T23:38:00.000-05:00

A slightly newer looking take on the signature wrap dress.

A banded retro shift.

A crisp-looking summer print.

Long over short looks fresh again.

A good example of the tiny casual summer suit.

Costello Tagliapietra Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-11T22:51:00.000-05:00

An easy-to-wear knit take on the shirtdress.

A chic sundress.

Beautiful draping with an uneven hem.

One of several belted overblouses.

A throwaway luxe evening look.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-11T22:40:00.000-05:00

Cute abstract rosette embellishment.

And more rosettes for buttons.

A different buttoned skirt.

An interesting chiffon top under an embroidered jacket.

A very delicate looking shift.

An intricate creation of chiffon shoulders/sleeves and opaque bodice/cuffs. You can see construction details in the close-up below.

Toni Maticevski Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-10T23:39:00.000-05:00

A real confection of a dress.

A shape we haven't seen in a while.

What interesting fabric.

Rag & Bone Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-10T23:33:00.000-05:00

Cute A-line jersey mini with tie shoulders.

Ruffian Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-10T23:23:00.000-05:00

A retro-modern suit in op white.

The trench blouse.

An unusual tabard dress.

A tunic mini with a banded, shaped hem.

Very nice use of a contrast panel.

Karen Walker Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-10T23:14:00.000-05:00

Sleeve volume is really beginning to be the new thing. Nice tucks and bow also.

A cute silhouette, with a ruffle at the hem.

Paper-bag waisted pants with pleats, straight legs and cuffs.

A much more interesting layered effect than the ubiquitous tee on tee. There's that pant style again, too.

Josh Goot Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-10T23:04:00.000-05:00

Knit skirt with obi.

Skinny pants with a little ease.

It's definitely the year of the trenchcoat.

Alice Roi Spring 2007 RTW

2006-09-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

Kind of a cute yoked, flanged blouse.

Even better in a cute print, and what a high-waisted skirt.

And what low-waisted shorts.

Extended shoulders are back with a vengeance.

A very neat dress with a tidy silhouette.

There's another Balenciaga-inspired coat.

Lorenzo Riva Fall 2006 Italian Couture

2006-07-23T00:11:00.000-05:00

A very elegant suit in a lovely fabric.

One of the more successful bubble skirts that I've seen.

A beautifully draped evening column.

Here are this season's popular lace overlay and bows, but in a much longer jacket length than usual.

A very dramatic look.

Raffaella Curiel Fall 2006 Italian Couture

2006-07-19T02:07:00.000-05:00

Images in this post courtesy of Donna Moderna.

A very different approach, with slouchy ease in pants under a skirt.

Very pretty dress fabric, with a defined waistline.

Unique embellishment, and what a hat!

Scallops in flannel with lace recall Lang.

Elie Saab Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-19T00:53:00.000-05:00

A very pretty lace and velvet confection.

The slouchy jacket with cocktail dress looks fresh.

A pretty cover up.

Some of the beautiful lace used by Saab.

A beautiful off-shoulder velvet column dress.

An ambitious bodice with a graceful skirt shape.

Spiral flounces in printed chiffon.

Lovely geometry.

"Painted on" lamé is enticing.

A fabulous printed skirt.

Demure enough for an ingénue, but oh that beading!

Casual glamour; very American.

Very pretty in petrol blue.

Armani Privé Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

A beautiful coat with pleated zigzag stripes and a half double collar, with matching dress.

Quite the commanding collar on this slim coat with python touches.

Lovely slim pants in an intriguing fabrication with the above coat.

A nice striped jacket with an unusual closure which he is using a lot this season. You can see a close up below.

Beautiful use of dual fabrics in a jacket. He seems to be all about pleats this year.

Glen-plaid and python, with a great belt, and some very sharp tailoring.

Another reptile jacket with a unique collar. The skirt fabric looks like tiny scales, although it may be a kind of piqué.

This is very striking.

Another pleated collar, but with a very unusual top.

An interesting print used with the lace.

A very interesting positive/negative effect, and with an unusual cut.

A lovely gown, with a dragonfly hat.

A very modern evening suit.

A beautiful gown with waist insets to echo the halter shape, and a lovely, shaped hem.

An unusual evening coatdress with many unusual elements including the front closures, the graduated tucking, and the shaped cuffs.

Valentino Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

We're all ready for coats, and here's a beautifully embroidered coat with a Russian influence, and crystal pleating as trim. I think the back view below is instructive as well, for his handling and placement of the embroidered motifs. How much more wearable this is than full embroidery on the back as well as the front, and yet it looks as perfectly imagined as the front.

This dress with tucks as a control is interesting as well.

Typically interesting use of stripes, a wide bowed belt, and the first really flattering wide, gathered sleeves I've seen lately. That's the lace blouse showing below the jacket, with 3 rows of rickrack trim at the bottom.

Horizontally tucked skirt with an embellished tiny jacket.

Zip-front, fur-trimmed coat with a pointed hem. I love the lace at the bottom of the stand-up collar, visible below.

A rather simple dress with a beautiful lace peplum and sleeves. You can see the raw tulle edges below, and the tiny tulle shoulder pads in the sleeves. Lightness is paramount, and there is nothing other than the probably substantial weight of the beading and lace itself to hold this down.

The ruffle hemmed skirt suit is still with us, and looking very current.

Very interesting re-embroidered fabric in this suit with a ruched satin band around the jacket, and a lovely color.

Lace appliqué on tweed with a fichú effect.

A velvet-trimmed, beautifully embroidered suit with an invisible closure, so as not to spoil the lines of the embroidery.

A fur-edged lace shrug with a smocked dress, as well as a look at the back of the previous suit. Note the darling back detail on the shrug in the photo below.

A gorgeous lace jacket with fur and ribbon trim over an embroidered skirt. You can see a close up of the luscious fabric below. The lace is backed with a pink satin.

A severe coatdress style in a gorgeous fabric.

A beautifully cut lace skirt, with sleeves to match. There's a close up of the skirt fabric and waistband below.

An interestingly paneled dress.

Ultra-feminine, with its own corsage on the bolero.

An unusual take on the babydoll top.

A classic winter evening look.

Dior Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-12T16:14:00.000-05:00

Galliano's show opened with dresses with armored sleeves. Notice the hip volume is shown at Dior as well.

Beautiful draping with square copper sequins which always seem sparklier than the round ones.

A very solid little jacket, highly embellished, and a fish hat, which is quite adorable.

Another almost articulated jacket, with another "scaly" hat.

Yes, it's a Lobster Suit & Hat, but I love the skirt and the jacket body, stripping away all the articulated parts; sleeves, shoulders and peplum. The embroidery is just lovely.

Obviously, she's a topiary tree, but the interesting part is that the loops on the skirt are made from dyed horsehair braid.

A very striking draped dress with an elegant horizontal line.

A beautifully tailored cocktail jacket. He's showing a lot of leggings, and of course here's the shoulder and hip volume again.

A witty hair ornament a la Artemis.

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-11T02:04:00.000-05:00

A very demure fur and leather suit.

An elegant dinner suit with an unusual ornament and collar shape.

A very interesting layered collar on a nice jacket shape. Beading is everywhere.

There are a lot of skirts around with these side panels, but this is the first one that has a graceful look to it.

A perfectly covered-up Little Black Dress, but the photo below shows the ribbon and organza "ribs & spine" up the back.

The back of the LBD above, and a very luxe fur, which has its own secret shown below.

Corset lacing on the back.

Another lovely dinner suit with fur collar and trim. The jacket styles are getting easier, and more naturally sized.

A real Papageno jacket.

A beautiful chiffon dress with possibly a matching coat lining.

More armored dresses, but this time with reptile and chiffon.

A very much bejeweled bustier and wide-leg pants.

An aptly-named illusion panel on this dress, with unique bracelets.

Draped velvet with a fox stole.

His unique shoe shape this season.

A very severe coat with one bird sleeve popping up.

More of the added hip volume which shouldn't be so attractive, but it certainly is.

Intriguing toile-type print dress with an attached scarf.

All That Glitters....may not be exactly what it appears to be. A lamé jacket becomes a sequined jacket with armadillo collar and fur skirt.

Givenchy Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-10T15:05:00.000-05:00

Riccardo Tisci is new to Givenchy and to the Couture. He seems to be trying a taste of this and of that, and getting his feet wet in an interesting, yet not completely coherent collection. His trials of the technical skills of his house are quite impressive, and it will be very interesting to see to what use he puts them in future collections.

Some interesting seaming and pleat details on a fairly classic suit.

A little homage to "old" Givenchy in this silhouette.

And even more in this fur-collared velvet belted cape.

An interesting jacket with piped tucks, sequined sleeves on the top, and interesting seaming on the pants.

Highly textured knitted sleeves under this cape-top coatdress.

Mink shearling as tortoise shell "armor".

A very unusual leather dress.

Here's the "editorial" piece of the show, and it is unusual, and very intriguing. It appears to be a very soft leather, or possibly a felt. Close up below.

Very Art Deco.

Here's a complete departure in style, and with the juxtaposition of leather and chiffon, it does run the gamut.

Very sculptural.

Christian Lacroix Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-09T23:24:00.000-05:00

A very unusual coat silhouette in an unusual color for Lacroix.

A luxe anorak with fur sleeve insets.

An elegantly slim, beautifully beaded coat with a lovely dress underneath. The pattern on the dress looks almost like a discharge technique on velvet, corduroy or some napped fabric.

Lacroix's take on the Oriental influence in the air this season. You can see the details of the fabulous embroidery below.

A wonderful quilted coat. You can see the amazing quilting on transparent fabric below. The quilted collar is gold, as is all the quilting, and the batting shows through. The sleeves add more than a little volume.

A couture confection of a skirt. Just a lovely dress.

What an interestingly pleated and tucked blouse.

This close up shows the wonderful pleating techniques on a blouse and skirt, with a heavily beaded jacket.

A charming cocktail dress with a fin-de-siècle feel to it. Notice the lovely hairline seams on the close up below. I'm not so sure about the draped tucks on the skirt, but they're interesting.

A classic sundress design for evening.

A wonderfully elegant brocade and velvet ensemble.

Another sweetly feminine blouse under all. Great skirt too.

Just like a wedding cake, and so pretty.

One of those falling-off-the-shoulders-elegantly dresses, but with invisible spaghetti straps for security. Luscious draping.

Great color, great draping, and such a light hand.

Fabulous handpainted fabric on a lovely dress.

Fortuny pleating in a dress which somehow evokes an Edwardian nightgown.

Kate Greenaway/Jane Austen echoes in this almost peignoir-like gown and coat.

A beautiful, rather simple silhouette.

Another impromptu-looking draped fantasy.

The intricately tucked, asymmetric bodice contains the control elements for this striking design.

The shape makes me think of de la Renta, but the details are all Lacroix.

Chanel Fall 2006 Couture

2006-07-09T15:31:00.000-05:00

Black velvet suit with graduated white satin bows.

A charming little black & white number. So high-waisted she almost looks like she's on stilts. Very cute wide bound edging on both jacket and skirt.

Bejeweled buttons are everywhere, along with coordinating brooches with dangles. Many of the fabrics are just as encrusted as this coatdress. Again, it's worn with thigh-high denim boots.

The shoulders are getting a little broader, and the upper sleeves a little wider. Fringed edges are still everywhere, and double layer hems are also ubiquitous.

Charming version of a cutaway coat. Below, you can see the favored sleeve cap seam in a close up, as well as the fringed edges.

A darling suit with wonderful yarn fringe trim, very closely fitted.

A cap-sleeved winter dress with fingerless gloves. Same shoulder/yoke seam. You can see a few more details below.

A rather simple, and very wearable suit.

Classic Chanel tucked blouse, with a jeweled belt and skirt. Details below.

More with the iconic bows. A very cute coat with satin binding.

A very graceful suit. My favorite so far, and very classic. A close up below. Is the binding satin or leather?

Gilded tweed with embroidery, fringe, and beading

A beautiful evening coat.

Quite the Eastern influence here.

The armorial theme comes to the fore.

Van Gogh anyone?

I do think you'd have to change the proportions without the boots. A very interesting bodice drape, which you can see below.

A tour de force with ribbon.

Kind of a cute trapeze shape, and you can really see the wider, tapered sleeve below.

Fabulously encrusted, with of course, the close up.

A very slim style.

An entirely new proportion.

Very modern looking with the patterned pants.

More on top of more, on top of more. Details of the fabulous handwork below, and the adorable shoes.

And the bride to finish!

Giorgio Armani Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-21T19:39:00.000-06:00

Armani's lead-off look; curvy checked jacket and slinky skirt. Great bag, too.

Darling, shaped knit lace jacket with woven cuffs and hem edge.

Close up of faced woven cuff and jacket hem edge.

Stand-away pockets on a draped coat.

Interesting draped, twisted shell with a classic blazer.

Unusual seaming really shows off the pinstripes in the jacket fabric.

Glamour plus in this shaped, cut-away jacket with ribbon-tied fur stole.

Fabulous fuschia coat.

The flattened ruffle edge adds a lot to this coat.

A great black and white ginkgo print jacket with contrasting faced bow.

Wonderful Asian-influenced wrap coat with a high shawl collar. The belled sleeve cuffs are applied and slit to, the elbow.

More multidirectional pinstripes.

How cute is this?

Ghost Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-18T13:13:00.000-06:00

All Ghost images courtesy of Elle.com.

Very interesting color gradations in this denim pantsuit. Quite the wide pantlegs, too.

Interesting details from the pantsuit above include the flounce "lapel" insertions in the princess seams as well as the belt and bra top.

A little different suit shape than the norm.

Detail of the jacket seaming.

A very unusual knitted shrug cover-up.

The back of the knitted garment.

They show a lot of belted cardigans.

Milly Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-18T13:01:00.000-06:00

All Milly images courtesy of Elle.com.

Cute blouse neckline and cuffs.

A definite Chanel influence, with lots of added details.

A babydoll dress with a nice polka-dot overlay.

A very nice coat and dress look with coordinating buttons in the signature print.

Darling bouclé coat over a stylish paneled dress.

A scalloped hem adds a little punch with a pretty suit.

A rather well done geometric cocktail look.

Nice collar.

A pretty lace blouse.

Sheer ruffles with stark black looks chic.

Marios Schwab Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-18T11:44:00.000-06:00

Unusual tassel trim.

Almost a flat-front corset look, which goes along with his somewhat Elizabethan necklines. The zippers at the sides and the embellishment are interesting too.

Peter Jensen Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-18T11:39:00.000-06:00

A slightly bubble-shaped skirt with a nice use of sheer overlays.

Jonathan Saunders Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-17T10:28:00.000-06:00

Jonathan Saunders is a print designer, so his fabrics naturally are integral to his designs, and engineered specifically for them.

A lovely panel catches the eye.

A beautiful border print.

Sheer draping adds interest.

A body-flattering shape created with a print/solid combination.

A lovely jacket and blouse with a beautifully executed print.

A very unusually cut suit with a lowered waist and tonal fabrics.

Another flattering trompe l'oeil effect.

The single splash of color in an otherwise monochrome palette, and one of a number of striking evening looks.

Basso & Brooke Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-17T10:20:00.000-06:00

Beautiful colors in interesting prints, and every jacket has a man's tie as an accessory.

This is one of their more restrained shoulders, and they use a lot of these hood/cowls.

A cape-collared coat.

A very tailored waistcoat; almost a sleeveless jacket in actuality.

An interestingly dark silhouette.

Preen Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-16T13:50:00.000-06:00

Another of the many nicely belted coats this season, in a pretty oatmeal color.

Unusual lapels and oversized cuffs give a different look.

A very nice coatdress.

There's "that dress" again; in jersey this time, and with a pegged/pleated hem.

This skirt is very nice.

An asymmetric hem.

An unusual neckline. I've noticed several of these this season, from different designers. They all remind me of Ralph Rucci without the illusion insets.

Paul Smith Women Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-16T13:37:00.000-06:00

This collection is called Men Only.

Layers of somewhat disheveled menswear. Lots of pleated, cuffed trousers.

The shrunken jacket look, but a little more flattering size.

This dress style seems very popular this season.

Self-belting makes this jacket seem fresh.

Erdem Moralioglu Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-15T22:48:00.000-06:00

I must admit I don't remember seeing this designer's first collection, but I really like almost all of his things this season.

A very nicely tailored dress with a great print tie.

A most interesting combination of lengths and garments. It really seems to work.

A darling dress with intricate seaming, and of course the hat just sets it off.

A very nice raglan overdress.

A lovely coat with great exploitation of the patterned fabric.

A great example of how to make anyone look taller and thinner.

Just a lovely dress in a beautiful print.

Cropped jacket over a wrap blouse.

A very nice use of perpendicular stripes as a yoke. It lifts this blouse from pedestrian to eye-catching. This is the same technique used on the hound's-tooth check coat above.

Another interesting use of a striped fabric.

A very Victorian bride, and the winged hat just makes it.

Aquascutum Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-15T22:30:00.000-06:00

Navy coat with silver embroidery.

More silver bullion embroidery.

A very young empire-waist dress with some interesting points.

The empire line again in a raised-waist skirt and blouse.

A somewhat deconstructed coat with floral additions.

A traditional coat shape not often seen of late.

Waist length trench-jacket.

An unusual, perhaps not completely successful combination of fabrics.

A nicely made sheer dress.

A belted sweater with interesting seaming.

A ribbon-tied quilted coat.

The high-waisted look continues.

A nice printed coat.

Homage to Balenciaga, and it still appeals.

And a coordinating dress? Nicely done, though.

An interesting fabric combination, and this one works well.

The deconstructed trenchcoat meets the empire gown. It's quite nice, and very fresh.

Karl Lagerfeld Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-15T01:42:00.000-06:00

A jacket with an exagerated crossover, and cropped pants.

A different sweater shape, and a very unusual skirt. The ubiquitous cuffs look like they belong, here.

An intriguingly patterned top.

A sweaterknit top with band trimming and a leather belt and leggings.

Close up of the belt and top.

Interesting proportions and patterned tights.

Short over long again with a nicely draped jacket and another inverted V-opening long top layer.

Banded hip-slung skirt with a cut-out sweater, which carries on the V theme.

Another V shape piece. Although this looks somewhat like a belt, I believe it is the front of a vest-type piece. You can see the back of it below.

Back of the above "vest" behind a strangely hairy coat, although the more I look at it, the more I think I might quite like it if it quit at the knee, under the wide band.

This is just an interesting shape, color, etc. and the turtleneck panel piece is quite nice.

A very pretty textural knit dress.

He does seem to be experimenting with lots of disparate pieces, and odd shapes, but I like the skirt with the longer back, and almost an apron front.

Another of these floating panel pieces that look like they go over the head. I really begin to like them.

Very pretty low-waisted effect.

A beautifully draped dress.

This is quite lovely.

The dress is very nice. The little bodice top under it is less successful. It fights with the clean-lined dress.

Nathan Jenden Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-14T02:04:00.000-06:00

This would be quite nice if it were about a foot longer. It has a very interestingly shaped skirt.

Ralph Rucci Spring 2006 Couture

2006-02-11T12:07:00.000-06:00

Rucci shows his Spring Couture at the end of the Fall RTW show. Here it is.

Another high contrast look, but using insets this time.

Tiny little draped tucks for the bodice.

And a close up.

Graphic prints always appeal.

Fabulously luxe evening wear.

Easy shapes let the print tell the story.

I believe this is embroidery.

Another chic "apres-beach" look.

Chado Ralph Rucci Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-11T12:04:00.000-06:00

A gorgeous suit with all the Rucci details. Applique, intricate seaming, luxe fabrication, sheer insets, asian-influenced wrapped belting.

A close up of the face-framing collar of the above look. Notice the beautiful brocade.

A new silhouette for Rucci with the coccoon jacket.

Lovely high contrast knits. His ability to interpret graphic designs on clothing is superb.

A sleek coat.

Ankle-length sable with a canework overlayer.

A simple dress with interesting insets.

A sheer fabric covered with tiny dots makes a lovely twinset. Flat-front, slim pants as per usual.

An intricately made wrapped belt.

Shearling, and casual, but not too casual.

You can see some of the faggoted seams on the coat and decorative/shaping seams on the skirt.

A unique contrast-lined overskirt. It gives this a renaissance feel.

The bolero-over-jacket look, but in a fresh way with a lovely surface design.

A lovely appliqued jacket.

A typical dress with intricate wrappings. Long gloves stand in for sleeves below the elbow. (Photo lightened to show details.)

A beautiful funnel neck coat in a brilliant color.

Sheer stretch insets have become a trademark.

Lacy insets on a coat.

Button placement takes this dress to a new level.

an all-over faggoted inset jacket.

You can really see the technique here.

This coat uses embroidery/embellishment as a substitute for insets.

A close up of this technique.

A lovely cocktail drss with such an impractical (and so, very desirable) feather trim.

Another overskirt effect. Turtle shell purse.

What an intriguing use of color and pattern.

Just a fantastically beautiful and unique dress.

Quite the juxtaposition of fabrics.

Richard Chai Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-11T01:31:00.000-06:00

More deep cuffs, asymmetrical collar and monkish looks here.

A nice black and white contrast with a very deep V-neck.

A very pretty deep red floral coat.

A fresh take on the baby doll top.

Michael Kors Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-10T20:54:00.000-06:00

Colorblock effect.

Plaids are always good for Fall.

Classic knitwear with a classic camel coat.

Cardigan jacket over pleats and bows.

One of several paisley chiffon dresses. All with a heavy belt.

Classic jumper and argyle sock and purse.

A flapper dress.

And another.

And this one is heavily beaded.

Calvin Klein Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-10T20:40:00.000-06:00

Lingerie dresses at Calvin Klein.

The focus was on herringbone patterns, and this jacket has an unusually intricate fabric. You can see a close up below.

Uniquely constructed skirt using menswear fabrics.

The garments are very intricately constructed, but I'm not sure how wearable they really are.

A close up of the look above, showing the details.

Deeply cuffed sleeves on a slim pantsuit.

Cropped jacket with interesting closures.

Minimalist eveningwear.

Carolina Herrera Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-07T15:16:00.000-06:00

Lots of shearling this year, and this has some nice seaming interest. She has the widest pantlegs I've seen so far this year.

She has several things with this use of large-scale basting/gathering for control. I don't think I care for it.

Close up of basting/gathering technique.

This appears to be THE collar of the season, and it is pretty.

A very pretty use of print and beading.

An interesting use of appliqué and jewels.

A close-up of the above technique.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2006 RTW

2006-02-07T14:47:00.000-06:00

An interesting collar on a metallic brocade jacket, yet quite a casual look.

A different boiled wool silhouette with bell sleeves here too.

Who can resist a red coat?

Another intricately patterned sweater with extra long sleeves.

What a cute idea for shearling, although certainly more wearable with long sleeves.

The ladylike pantsuit in black and brown. Blouses are still much to the fore.

Here's the shearling jacket with 3/4 sleeves and a cute, embellished skirt. Love that collar.

Deep olive chinchilla with wider legged cuffed trousers.

Here's the shearling in the short sleeves, but so much more wearable as almost a sleeved vest.

A classic, plain suit. The skirt and jacket have narrow topstitched hems.

An eminently wearable dress with a face-framing collar.

A nice winter cocktail look.

Another beautiful coat.

This shoulder/neckline treatment is showing up all over, and is particularly pretty in this dinner dress.

I love the juxtaposition of the satin applied pleats with the velvet/matte fabric.