The Overview: Milan/Paris Fashion Week Sponsored by HP

Article sponsored by HP:

Milan and Paris couture took our breath away in a sweep of sheer, fringe, and satin. Spring 2009 will combine flowing florals, snappy suits, amazing accessories, and see-through everythings.



Milan gave way to Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Jil Sander, Marni, Versace and Alessandro Dell’Acqua; all the while Paris paraded designers like Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana Men’s combined satin suits and separates with hard outlines for a sophisticated sleek look. The collection of black, white, and gray incorporated everything from bow ties to men’s short shorts. D&G pushed menswear past its comfort zone in a most elegant fashion. The men’s collection concluded with all the male models walking the runway in all white satin suits.

However, the purity of the D&G men’s collection couldn’t be more opposite of the women’s collection on the color spectrum. The Dolce & Gabbana Women’s show was titled “Pajama Baroque,” in which models portrayed one woman’s elaborate fashion dreams once fallen asleep in her boyfriend’s pajamas. The collection consisted of lavish satins, languid lines, and show- stopping brocades with bold shoulders.

Dolce & Gabbana, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

While D&G was dreaming, Fendi was floating. Airy layers upon layers of chiffons created floaty fashions without being too see-through in the wrong places. Fendi ingeniously incorporated laser cut laces and transparent furs on top of their splendid stilettos. Fendi wasn’t the only designer that challenged cuts and textures. Marni layered different fabrics and shapes to create unique and colorful daytime looks.

Fendi, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Gucci threw their collection of witty suits, low slung trousers, and fedora combination through a kaleidoscope of color for their Spring 2009 collection. Bright colors boomed and let neutral hues pop for “Gucci Exotica.”

Gucci, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Fringe was huge in Milan and Paris this season, and seen in so many different ways. Challenge your style and try different fringe for all occasions. Stringy fringe and sequins takes us back to the 1920’s flapper, while suede and leathers give a sense of modern earthy style. Whether you want to be a Jil Sander flapper, an Alessandro Dell’Acqua bohemian rhapsody, or a Parisian Hermes cowgirl – it’s all in your fabric choice!

Jil Sander, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Hermès, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

While others clung to fringe, Versace caught up on their mathematics, making geometry their favorite subject line. The tiny and taut clothing played up geometric shapes and tightened up waist lines. Fabrics ranged from matte to shiny to bejeweled. Hearts, industrial zippers, and collaged Versace iconography prints encompassed the heart of the decadent collection.

Versace, Milan Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Marc Jacobs incorporated Asian and African inspirations into his new French Chic collection. The more the merrier when it came to fabrics, details, and accessories this Spring '09. Extravagant feathers, adorable polka dots, and gauzy hems wowed Vuitton fanatics. The collection, which is very economically incorrect for its time, was made to create a diversion from the struggling economy and make people feel good.

Louis Vuitton, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

“When man became more powerful than nature the damage really started” – Alexander McQueen’s earth friendly and machine raged collection is a bit of earth inspired florals and rock formation prints, with a twist of dark and dreary industrial colored fashions as well. The industrial side of the collection is a bit of a lackluster, but the animal and earthy inspired clothing pops and shines.

Alexander McQueen, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Lanvin is bold, audacious, and provocative with jewel tones. Not only is the collection wildly voluptuous, but retail and reality friendly as well. Lanvin designer, Alber Elbaz, has really created a winning Spring collection.

Lanvin, Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009

Mui Mui hit an off note in Paris this season with graffiti and pleated '80s looks. The '80s are back, but everyone is really focusing on the glitz and glam and trying to forget the grudges of the early 90’s. Glam was left up to the wonderful John Galliano. His flimsy silks, drop waists, ruffles, pretty floral prints, and sheer gowns are very wearable. His collection was one very set into reality, with the exception of his model’s British guard, pirate, and whimsical figure inspired head wear. But after all, this is a runway show – so let the games go on, as long as Galliano’s clothing stays this wonderful.

The Spring 2009 fashion bar has been set – let the others fall into line.
-Jackie Medler

Check out more news at www.factio-magazine.com and www.runwaytoretail.com