Runway Report--Milan Fashion Week--Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012--Photos + Full Runway Video!

Baroque, Religious, Lavish...oh and Flower Prints...

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

I know that I'm a little backwards with my "Fashion Week" reportage here on my blog: I've already shown you two collections from Paris Fashion Week, which is occurring right now--but now I'm highlighting some collections from Milan's Fall/Winter Fashion Week, which happened about a week ago--prior to Paris. Anyhow, you get the point. So, now, here's the Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Collection from designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. The runway and surroundings--from the video--looked very opulent and lavish. The running themes were Sicily (where the designers are from), plus Baroque Religious traditions and the clothing of cardinals--transformed a la Dolce & Gabbana--for HOT sexy women! Capes and capelets were big, and so was the gold bullion embellishments--on just about everything. Colors: black, gold, (of course), ivory, multicolor flower prints. Brocades and jacquard's also were featured. And the gold "angelic" headband was the key hair accessory--I'm sure my TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap "style sister", Tabatha Coffey, would not approve!! (she wasn't a fan of some of those actresses on the red carpet wearing the headband--ex: Michelle Williams at the Golden Globes 2012).

Check out some of the looks from Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012 plus the full runway video at the end of this post:

Built-in Jewelry: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

Sunday Mass Girl: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

Cardinal Couture: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

The Town Hussy: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

The Town Hussy Goes Clubbing: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

Couch and Window Drapes: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

The Dress That Will Sell Out at all The Boutiques: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2012:

Runway Report--Paris Fashion Week--Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012--Photos + Runway Video!

Paris Pret-a-Porter Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Collections...

Wrap It Up: Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

Sante Fe de Bogota, Colombia-born adopted by French parents fashion designer Haider Ackermann showed his Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Collection at Paris Fashion Week yesterday and it was a tour-de-force in masterful tailoring, cutting, unusual twisting and draping and a definite interest in the Masculine side of womenswear. It's no surprise that actresses like Tilda Swinton love his designs. And no wonder they call him "The Next Yves Saint Laurent". In terms of silhouette, the wrap was key to this collection.

Peplum Winter: Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

There is a definite interest in the waist and the peplum--and as seen in other collections--it is beginning to be an important detail for Fall/Winter 2012.

Kimono Lady: Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

Also, ladies, it's all about big ballooning sleeves--batwing, kimono, butterfly...whatever you call them...they're SO NOW! Colors for Fall/Winter include bronze, violet, orange, mustard, deep red, muted fern green. Lots of wools, leathers, shantung and silk satins.

Check out some highlights from Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012 Collection plus runway video at the end of post:

Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012

Click Below for Runway (edited) Video from US Vogue of Haider Ackermann Fall/Winter 2012:

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012--Christian Dior

Christian Dior Pret-a-Porter Fall/Winter 2012:

Dior House Designer Bill Gaytten continued his love of the iconic "Bar Jacket" and there were also references to Ballet, New Look, full A-Like skirts juxtaposed with fitted ones. Very commercial, not-style-shaking clothes. But very "Dior on Auto-Pilot". Draped and twisted tops, chiffon gowns. "The Artist"-looking 1920's-like cloche caps on the models.

Colors: Mauve, rose pink, blush, nude, indigo blue, black, and hounds-tooth jacquard's. No one knows whether Gaytten is still "in it" for the long haul and if the Dior owners are still looking for Galliano's replacement (last rumor was Raf Simons was being courted for the Dior position--after he was unceremoniously booted out of Jill Sander). I've said this before: it must be very frustrating for Gaytten...however, he's probably just happy to have a job and a steady paycheck...

Check out some of the looks of his latest offering for the House of Dior Ready to Wear:

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2012:

Runway Report: Gucci Men's Fall/Winter 2012 Photos + Runway Video

Paisley Boys...

I Can't Afford Rent...But I Can Afford a Fab Fur Coat: Gucci Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

More Milan Menswear Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Highlights--Now, it's time for Gucci: Creative Director/Head Designer Frida Giannini showed her latest offering for Gucci Menswear Fall 2012 in Milan early this week. The silhouettes were thin, 60's-like and elegant--all the buzzwords that have been staples of the Gucci menswear collections as of late. Giannini's Gucci boy is a chic struggling artist/musician (not so struggling, if he can afford an $800 pair of pants!). She took this theme forward with this most recent collection.

Going to Torino: Gucci Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

The trousers were unusually loose at the hips and thigh but got stovepipe skinny down the leg and to the ankle. Lots of subtle elegant prints--like jacquard's, paisleys--seen in everything from those aforementioned trousers to jackets. And of course, being that it was Gucci--there were some GORGEOUS bags, sunglasses and shoes, the stuff that any of us will actually be buying! I was also loving the chunky sweater layered over suiting seen above!

Where's my Fiat: Gucci Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Time for Dinner: "Smoking Jackets" get redone, Gucci Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Click Below for the entire Gucci Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Runway Show:

Runway Report: DSquared2 Men's Fall 2012/2013 Photos + Runway Video

Marlon Brandon meets "Glee" meets Prepster Trust Funder...

Bab Boy Prepster: DSquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Continuing with Menswear Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Fashion Week in Milan, now it's time to pump up the sex appeal with none other than those Canadian boys--Dean and Dan Caten of Dsquared2. Renzo Rozo of Diesel owns a majority stake in the Dsquared2 label and yes, therefore the two skinny Canadian twins can have these fabulous campy--and very expensive shows--season after season--And I'm all the better for it--because A) I love me a campy Dsquared2 show and B) I also love the models...ooops, I mean the clothes.

Vacation from Swiss Boarding School: Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

The show began--in typical Dsquared2 showmanship with a stage that was turned into a somewhat-rowdy classroom with model-students acting up--as if the teacher had just left the room--but then, the show--and collection itself went from rowdy students--to High Tailored Prepsters. Very fitted skinny jeans, UBER sharp coats and cropped jackets, a knotted neck scarf here and there, and elegant Alpine Winter sweaters and (Hello Rick Santorum!!) sweater vests!!!

Coach Says "Give Me Ten Fashion Sit-Up's": Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

Prom Season: Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013

I admit, part of me wants that oversized sequined sleeve parka above, just because I would LOVE to board a long transcontinental flight in that! I always love the styling of the Dsquared2 collections and from time to time, I have found myself printing some of these looks and use as "Muses" for my wardrobe. I just wished I looked like one of these boys...oh well...maybe in my next life.

Click Below for the Dsquared2 Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013 Full Runway Video:

Runway Report: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012--Photos + Runway Video

Rude Boys Rule...

Knotted Up: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

The Menswear Fall 2012-2013 Shows are occurring in Paris and Milan and here are some highlights for my lovely devoted BLOG readers---since after all, it can't all be about Fab Red Carpet Divas, Figure Skating Costumes and Beauty Pageant Madness here on my blog...It's time to discuss the latest in Menswear--Let's begin with 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013:

British Punk Boys: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

The theme was "Elegant Anarchist"--think Rude Boys, Young Punks, 60's Britain. Style.com's reviewer said "Too much elegance and not enough anarchy" of the collection. I kinda liked it. Big clunky Doc Marten-looking shoes (were they Doc Marten or Phillip Lim's versions?), high-waist, paper-bag shaped trousers that ended above the ankle--"High Waters" or "Floods", as they used to call them back in my day. Extra long wide belts were the accessories du jour.

It's Cold Outside: 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall 2012/2013

And big elegant coats are always a must for Fall/Winter--as well as a great 3.1 Phillip Lim staple--I own one fab Phillip Lim coat I bought at Barney's NY several years ago and I cannot LIVE without it! Maybe next Fall/Winter, I might upgrade to a newer version...


Click Below to watch Runway Video of 3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Fall/Winter 2012/2013:

Runway Report: Chanel Pre-Fall 2012--Welcome to India!

Karl Goes Bollywood Chic:

Anybody for Samosas? Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Collection

For Pre-Fall 2012, Fashion GOD, Karl Lagerfeld decided to be inspired by India, even though he has supposedly never been there. Lagerfeld--always a genius in terms of knowing "the latest and greatest" and what's hot--or going to be "HOT", for that matter-- decided that his next collection, the Pre-Fall Métiers d'Art 2012, would be all about India.

Fashion Feast: The Invitation (top photo) and the scene at Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 at the Grand Palais in Paris

The inspiration was "Paris-Bombay" to be exact, and it was a "Diwali" Feast with a runway designed like one UBER fabulous Bombay Banquet. There was even a mini "Chanel Choo Choo Train" traveling throughout the banquet table during the entire show. He's not dumb: guess what country is one of the most up-and-coming luxury-brand loving markets? Yep, India. How best to capture the attention of all those new millionaires and upwardly-mobile middle class in Bombay than to have a fab chic collection based on their Land.

Model Stella Tennant, Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 tweed boucle suit

Maharajah: Chanel Pre-Fall 2012, notched-collar suit with satin turban, modeled by Lagerfeld "boy toy" fave, model Baptiste Giabiconi

The Métiers d'Art Collection is like Pseudo-Couture. The pieces are just that much better than the regular Pret-a-Porter pieces that one would usually see at a "regular" Chanel Runway Show as well as the Chanel Boutique. The pieces have elements of the already exquisitely-made Chanel Pret-a-Porter but just that much added refinement, hand-work, uniqueness to also make them "cousins" of the super-expensive one-of-a-kind Haute Couture.

Androgynous Mumbai: Chanel Pre-Fall 2012, creme shirt-blouse with tie, black-and-creme tea-length flared skirt

The embroideries were by the famed House of Lesage; head pieces by Maison Michel for Chanel; and the shoes, by Massaro for Chanel. So basically, a regular Chanel Pret-a-Porter jacket will set you back about $3,000. A Haute Couture one: $30,000. A Métiers d'Art one: just in between.

Chanel Pre-Fall 2012: Bubblegum pink boucle front cut-out jacket, gold lame skirt

Model Crystal Renn, Chanel Pre-Fall 2012, gold lace dress with head-shawl

Model Arizona Muse, looking very "Cleopatra" as opposed to "Bombay Diva", Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 white sleeveless placket-front dress

Mother-Daughter Model Fabulous: 47 year-old Yasmin Le Bon (looking AMAZING!)--wife of Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon--and her 22 year-old daughter Amber Le Bon, hitting the catwalk at Chanel Pre-Fall 2012--PS: they look like SISTERS!

Click Below for the Full Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 Métiers d'Art "Paris-Bombay" Collection:

Runway Report: Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012--Chanel

Karl "Prospero" and his Underwater Runway Extravaganza:

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Two days ago, Karl Lagerfeld showed his beautiful Chanel Spring/Summer 2012 Collection during Paris Fashion Week. He transformed the Grand Palais--the site of all his runway shows, into a magical underwater world. Just wait until you see the beginning of the video below. The stage is INSANE! All I kept thinking about was "Wow, look what perfumes and purses can buy you!". The collection, which consisted of over 8o looks (!), was a success, according to all who were there. He began with modern interpretations of the Chanel suit, in soft tweeds, boucle's, in white, cremes, light lemons, pastel-y pinks, turquoise and black.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Lots of Spring-like prints, chiffon's, fluttery ruffle dresses and blouses. Shoes were either sandals or flat booties in leather and metallics. NO heels in sight. He also showed some fabulous swimsuits toward the end which you can see in the runway video. They looked like "Sports Illustrated Mermaids" rising from the sea!

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

For evening, it was relaxed, yet very LUXE glamour, with printed silk dresses, lots hitting "tea"-length with sequin embellishments. Stiffer silk gazar's, organza's, and/or iridescent satins added lots of texture and an architectural element. Lots of shoulder interest--which remains a strong trend.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Also, look for the "Voluminous Sheath" where it's fitted up top but then softly leads into interesting shapes from the high-waist down. All in all--at least from seeing the photos and the video--a beautiful, modern collection. Bravo Karl and his team! You'll probably see ten out of the 80+ looks in the stores come next Spring , but who cares, the show was glorious! Speaking of the show--did I mention Florence Welch of Florence and The Machine performed. Yep. Again, what perfumes and purses can buy you darlings!

Click Below for the Full Chanel Spring/Summer 2012 Runway Video:

Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011: Gucci, Prada

Anjelica Huston, 60's/70's Chic, Chartreuse, Fuchsia, Croq-skin and YSL Mondrian Dress References...Ciao Milano Fashion Week!!!

Fall According to Frida: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011:

Is The Train to Florence Here?: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

It's Milan Fashion Week kids. I discussed my Highlights of NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 these last couple of weeks as well as Madrid and London Fashion Week Postings HERE and HERE. And so the fashion catwalk continues...For Gucci's 90th Anniversary (90th!!!), Designer Frida Giannini went 70's Glam showing PLUNGING necklines, lots of luxe fur, flowing silk chiffon "Disco" dresses, culottes, silk half-circle skirts and Fedoras. The models can only be described as having a Can-Someone-Tell-Me-Where-My-Driver-Is Attitude that looked chic, effortless and yet Bitchy at the same time: Love it! Colors were no-holds-barred VIBRANT: Chartreuse, bubblegum pink fuchsias, deep violets, lipstick reds. You want Black,? Look somewhere else girls.

Giannini said she was inspired by Anjelica Huston, among other things. I can see it: The Styling and look of the collection reminded me of the Style Icon, especially from a 1970's "snapshot" of her with Jack Nicholson; the slicked hair, the red lips, the I-just-threw-this-on fur...that decolletage! Here are some Highlights...including the Shoes and Purse You Need To Have, come this Fall...

Campari and Soda: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Oops, that's my leg: Model Chanel Iman in Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Milano Disco: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Python Fierce: A covered Pump, Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

T-Strap Princess: The Strappy heel of the Season from Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Bag DIVA: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011 mini-bag

Watch FULL Gucci Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show:

Prada Fall/Winter 2011:

Color Blocked: Italian Supermodel Mariacarla Boscono Prada Fall/Winter 2011

Miucca Prada unveiled her Fall/Winter 2011 Prada Collection, and of course it had all the Prada "stamps": Kitschy "Thrift Store Couture" looks, boxy 60's shapes, bag-lady chic prints and We-Need-To-Have accessories. It was all very Courreges-meets-Paco Rabanne in a way.

Marcia Marcia: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

Yes, there were 60's influences, but there were also 1920's "Amelia Earhart"-meets-early 70's looks a la Marcia Brady looks as well, with those drop-waist dresses above and below...

Drop-That-Belt: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

There was also an overt nod to THE Master: Yves Saint Laurent, and his iconic 1965 Mondrian dress above.

Also evident in the just-unveiled Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Collection: Lots of Croq-skin. In luxurious colorful drop-shoulder boxy coats as well as...

These ankle-grazing shoe-boots that EVERY Fashion-Girl will risk not paying her next months rent for. I would! Just sayin'

Fish Scale Cocktail: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

For evening: Neon colors and over-sized paillettes and long fuzzy fur. As is usual with the House of Prada, there were NO GOWNS, but that doesn't mean that we might not see one or two Custom Prada Gowns at the Academy Awards Red Carpet this Sunday!

And finally: May I show you THE Must-Have Prada Sunglasses for your next trip to the Italian-Swiss Alps this coming Winter. Time to put my early order in! Watch FULL Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show: