Christian Lacroix- Fall 2008

In Paris, Christian Lacroix endured us with his ready-to-wear collection for fall 2008. A cream short sleeve bubble shape coat opened the show, which immediately created the same excitement we usually get from his couture collection. Bows on dresses, tulip shape skirts and feathers placed on sleeves and hemlines was only a fraction of what made this show exciting; my attention slowly focused on the series of satin dresses which proceeded down the runway in purple, reds, lime greens, fuchsia and orange; absolutely fascinating. This opulent collection was very much young and modern. Not only was the funnel neck coats incredibly and structurally designed, but the vibrant solid block colours on silhouettes, made Christian Lacroix show quirky and exciting.

Alexander McQueen- Fall 2008

Inspired by Queen Victoria, the Duke of Wellington and the Indian Empire, Alexander McQueen presented one of his most desirable fashion shows yet for fall 2008. Dark, Mysterious and powerful looking models emerged with huge backcombed hair, which set the scene of the golden age. Black lace on skirts under the layers of petticoat and ballerina style dresses created a gothic fairytale story, and the black skinny high-waisted trousers with a sharp tailored double breasted jacket contributed to this style; a style so demeaning, it turned into something so exquisite. A level of beautiful craftsmanship created silhouettes which represented elegance and a feeling of romance. This enchanting story led us into an incredible fantasy of Indian couture. The models were converted into alluring princesses wrapped in Indian diadem and diamonds. But what caught my attention was the marvellous red strapless dress with endless layers. Gold’s contributed to this style of medieval couture. This historical collection was more than just glorious, it was beyond magnificent and beyond extravagant.

Balenciaga-Fall 2008

For Fall 2008 Nicolas Ghesquiere focused on the modernised version of the sheath black cocktail dress. Another season and Ghesquiere has re-introduced futuristic sculptured dresses with rubber, latex and plastics. A vision was to make everything light; a collection which was to be formal and to look like it is designed with a simple touch. Forget the ruffles and volumes of material; Ghesquiere focused on what he thought was simple. Skirts were slit to the thigh and rubber coats which looked like they were soaked in water, were designed to create a style which can only be described as futuristically sexy. This was not a fetish, but very modern and wearable, especially with the stunning silver jewellery the models were wearing.

Yves Saint Laurent - Fall 2008

Stefano Pilati blessed the catwalk for fall 2008, with a futuristic collection which made me think Rigorous Sexuality. Model after model the collection portrayed continuous elegance and sharp structured tailoring. Julianne Moore, Kayne West and Vanity Fair’s Elizabeth Saltzman were all there to witness his talent of geometric angles on tweeds and felts he used on skirts and coats. A contemporary collection which was very sharp at the top with bowl cut wigs the models were wearing to the freedom at the bottom, with movement in the clothes. His idea of creating a futuristic show, slowly made me think 21st century robots on a catwalk, maybe it was the look of the models which created a dark movement with the sleek dark sunglasses cut across there eyes, with there full black painted lips. But still you recognise the fantastic appeal of the clothes, like the gorgeous tweed pencil skirt with a royal blue hemline, and the best thing was there was a jacket to match. The use of Donegal tweeds, cashmere, Tokyo couture silk and Flock made this collection what it was…. AMAZING.