more on fall 08

I've been so consumed with my new designs scheduled to launch for Spring and Summer 09 that I hadn't really taken an in-depth look at what's coming for Fall 08. But once I get obsessed with boiling down the essential trends of the season, it's hard to tear myself away...so I'm back today with more, but this is pretty much to wrap things up (at least I'm hoping).



Top left to right: Burberry and Stella McCartney; bottom row: Christian Lacroix.

The biggest word being used to describe fall 08 is "restraint", which is a little anti-climatic, but given the overall world Zeitgeist, I guess it's where we're at. It doesn't mean things can't be gorgeous, they just need to be restrained. Except when it comes to accessories (see above).


Balenciaga and Givenchy

Moving on, here are two of the big (maybe biggest) fall editorial looks. From the much buzzed about Balenciaga show, the major news was the structured little black dress. Every where else it was about black skinny pants + jackets, and this collided with Riccardo Tisci's goth leanings at Givenchy for perfect success. While I can't see wearing a structured lbd anywhere in Los Angeles, I'm crazy about the skinny pants because the other alternatives are horrible 80s peg-legs and MC Hammer funky throw-backs.

Despite all the talk about "restraint", there were tons of wild and witchy outfits to be had. So after going through the good, bad, and disappointing, here are the ones I would like to see hanging in my own closet:



Givenchy

This frock is my favorite take on the lace trend



Maria Cornejo for Zero

Chilean designer Maria Cornejo always does her own thing and I like what she's doing with coats.



Jason Wu

Jason Wu has my vote for prettiest lbd--I could actually see wearing this.



Proenza Schouler

So creamy and beautiful--even if I had to make up a special occasion to wear this, I would.



Alberta Ferretti

To me, this is just a knock-out dress. Everytime I see her stuff, I think Alberta Ferretti never gets the attention she deserves. Same with the purple one below. How pretty is this?


Alberta Ferretti


Behnaz Sarapour

Wow, Behnaz Sarapour got sort of panned this year for "not being Holly Golightly enough" but I think this coat is very Holly G and in the panne velvet it looks scrumptious and really fun to wear.


Lanvin

If I were going to wear a structured lbd, this would be it. Bear with me because now I'm going to be a little redundant. I would like every single piece from Alber Elbaz's latest collection for Lanvin, especially the following:



Lanvin

Love this coat. Lots of designers play around with ribbon but Elbaz's pieces all work.



Lanvin

More ribbon and I can't say enough about the cut of this skirt. Finally something not pencil thin or that flouncy frumpy style that makes women look 10 pounds heavier than they really are. It's so simple really, a top and a skirt, but the way Elbaz drapes pieces is my favorite thing about his work--it looks almost casual, the way it hangs-- that it might have been washed a time or two--so comfortable yet chic.



Lanvin

If I could have one black jacket for fall, this would be it.



Lanvin

Another beautiful skirt and top.



Lanvin

My favorite version yet of the black skinny pants + jacket.

I know it's a little early, and most of this editorial won't be hitting the news stands for a few more months, but I think it's always fun to start thinking about the season early so you know what pieces you absolutely need to have and which ones you can pass on. Just a thought. I promise to return to the present and sunny world of spring and summer very shortly!