Monday, September 22, 2008

The Fundamentals of Fashion Are Still Strong


Gianfranco Ferre Spring 2009

To borrow a gross misstatement by a certain presidential candidate, I must say that New York's Fashion Week dished out optimism like it was all we were feeding on these days. And as I sit here, sick with some super virus on steroids, I must admit: the review was glowing. Designers narrowed their foci on truly delectable fashion for the truly discriminating fashionista. If New York is the heart of Fashion, then Milan is its Soul, reinspiring us to believe that despite all of the panic on Wall Street, at least we can turn to Fashion to escape, redefine, and reward.

Gianfranco Ferre's Spring 2009 line was a complete and utter triumph; since Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi of 6267 took over the reins, I have a newfound passion for the once dull line. In a way, they turned to the fundamentals of fashion: architecture, in its exacting, primitive shapes; color, in its purest forms; and innovation, in its most curious, all came together to challenge what we have defined as the modern suit or dress.

1. Perhaps it's the Star Trek lover in me, but I simply adore the waxen plastic-y sheen, the defined shapes, and the wearability of this modern-day power suit:


2. The simple shift gets updated with a smattering of plastic beads in an unexpected place:


3. The skirt reminds me of a proper dinner napkin, and the full black blouse compliments the peek-a-boo black slivers in the skirt:


4. The origami folds on this white wonder leave me speechless:


5. A delicate, strong, feminine, and mesmerizing cocktail dress:


6. This dress is a cross between Marilyn Monroe and the Chrysler Building:


Moschino Cheap and Chic's Spring 2009 line was less concerned with structure and more concerned with ease and carefree times. While most of it did not appeal to my fashion aesthetic, I did appreciate two looks in particular:
1. This simple yet flirty dress would be perfect for a high-end picnic, complete with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries:

2. I suppose this designer is not tired of lace; it looked positively fresh in this gray dress:

3. This last look is too hippie for me (it reminds me of a psychedelic Smurf), but it represents the optimism I spoke of earlier:

2 comments:

Songy said...

It is true that NYFW was fantastic. Good to see your personal view on this but I have to say the past two weeks has been an epic in terms of US economy. I don't know how to take all this.. I wonder how you guys take it in the US.

So much depends on the us economy.. some say the world has been 'nurturing' the us economy.. I'm personally nervous. what kind of trouble we are going to have down under. sorry to have dampen this happy fashionable post.

Unknown said...

I love the black billowy blouse. It has the feel of the Romantic era (or is that just me?) and is chic and smooth. I hope you feel better soon. I don't know but a lot of people are getting sick lately. Although I'm not crazy about some of the looks, I understand what you mean. There are definite lines and shapes to be had that aren't often seen but more of is needed. It's a little abstract but beautiful in a unique way.