SPRINGING INTO 2010

Spring/Summer---are we talking about these two seasons already?  Apparently, the designers have been busy showing off their artistic talents with what they think their clients should wear for Spring-Summer 2010.  2009 was a challenging year for both designers and their consumers, everyone worked a little harder in an attempt to match prior years successes with much economic opposition.  The designs spoke for themselves, they were as fabulous as they've always been but consumer pocketbooks were somewhat reticent because of the global economic downturn. 

Everyone is hopeful for a grand upswing in 2010 and many of the designers have poured their hearts into their collections.  A coup d'etat has sprung into the industry; there is a draw on our purse strings by the genius designers.  They have created wonderfully beautiful, sexy garments that will do battle to be bought--worn.  So who will win, the designers and the stores decked with awesome wares with enticing gimmicks and gifts cajoling our minds and pocket books to bend to their wanton ward-robing persuasions.  Will our "self" crumble to the draw of luxury and all things fabulously fashionable or will the economical conditions win?  How will fashionistas find the balance between needs and desires?  Well, let's hope that we all will come out victorious because genius should be adored and their creations should adorn many bodies, so let's take a look at the battle and hope for a year that will afford us the joy of dressing as the masters deem!   

Let's start with some fun from the Caribbean - Ready for a little Eye Candy by I-Candy - Shown at Islands of The World Fashion Week in The Bahamas, designer Margo Gagatek, a vibrant Polish darling with a bonfire aura that clearly shines through her designs.  Her personality is sunny, bold and very out going.  The radiant colors, cuts and prints had me enthused.  I sat 2nd row and was mesmerized by each piece.  The collection is irresistible.  If you are up for some sunning this spring/summer, if you are sporting a new body or just love swim suits you have to tango a bit with I-Candy at (209)381-9674 - margo@ICANDYSwimwear.net and  www.ICANDYSwimwear.net

And now to cool chic sizzle from Spain - Roberta Torreta---The designs are fresh, hip and very easy flowing.

Shall we travel on to jolly old London to see what has been spooled for us.....Luella and Marios Schwab---Luella used bold red that is sure to put a pep in your step and Marios went for fine silk chiffon, smooth frills and loose ruching, high waits and varying hemlines--mini to tea length, to maxi with high slits, a very figure conscious presentation.

I am dying to go "down under" to Australia to see what has been rustled up---Nevenka, Leopold, Wayne Cooper, Nylon Flocks...The designs are definitely about inviting us in to sample beautiful clothing that are sexy and smart.  Each piece is truly alluring.

Let's travel for some spice from the Far East " India", from designers Anupama Dayal and Gauri & Naininka---The collections are bitingly seasoned with vibrant colors, bold bows, intricate pleating, bold rosettes and prints, all drawing focus to bared shoulders, hemlines just high enough to complete the sexy chicness in the silhouettes.  The designs are sure to incite interests in this country's fashion inspirations, the workmanship showcased as the predominant focus has been Saris...My, my, my, this culture has embraced the Western influence like a sponge does water and I for one is overcome with appreciation.  Fashion dynasties unfolding.  I could be tempted to journey to Fashion Week! 

Now I know it's somewhat of a distance from India to our next destination but it's time for a trip to the runways of The Big Apple, New York darlings, it just wouldn't be fashion trendy to skip New York..Hurry Up!   Featured are designs from Whitney Eve featured in Nicholas K's show and Mara Hoffman. Hello sweethearts, your necklines are all aglow; Grecian inspirations, contouring complimented by frills of satin, waists cinching and sexy hemlines, your spring and summer soirees are covered here!

We saw a little of New York, what do you say to heading West---travel along to The Golden State---California--LA Fashion Week....I was drawn to Kevin Hall's collection of cocktail and evening glamour, a stunning collection that inspires ticket purchases to grand balls, it was hard to select pieces for this feature because Kevin's repertoire was flawless .  The colors are soothing, yet striking, one shoulder and strapless gowns, detailed with lace appliqués, jewel belted waists, fine ruching and frill layering.

There has been a lot of traveling but I saved the best excursion for last...And the group of designers who showed at our final destination are some of the very best in the business.  I am speaking of no other than the one and only fashion mecca/destination PARIS.  The daring, the trendsetting, the incomparable Paris Fashion Week featured so many talents that made a Trend Review very difficult.  Here are a few that cut to the surface.....Givenchy,  Estrella Archs, Hermes, Giambattista Valli, Collette Dinnigan, Elie Saab, John Galliano, Celine, Guy Laroche and of course Chanel.

Givenchy---I love these shoes, they are oh so high and so hot.  Ruching drama is evident in the clothing as well as the shoes, complimenting each other; the collection is quite ethereal! 

 Estrella Archs----whimsical materials, bias cuts, languid, comfort fit and figure hugging silhouettes all rolled into one collection, something for everyone.  The black and white features are quite effective as well, creating sleek yet powerful looks. 

Elie Saab---The collection is divinely sleek and affluently curvaceous.  The collection has considered ages and varying styles.  The Grecian influence is very evident.  The emphasis on necklines is beautiful.  Each piece has it's own draw.  The varying cuts in like or similar materials are quite brilliant because the impression is that a consideration has been made for different body types and style choices.The colors are amazingly radiant, the amber kaleidoscope is breathtaking, the blues are ambrosial, the blacks are hip and very rock sexy, the one shoulder evening gown, one shoulder champagne mini are delectable and the strapless red with the ruched hemline is ravishing.   This is truly a mesmerizing stunning collection!  

 Collette Dinnignan---A collection that bares shoulders, high hemlines, cinched waists with shimmering layers and silky ruching.  Seriously dazzling cocktail attire, a collection meant to have it's patrons stunning everyone who witness the wear.

 Guy Laroche---The look is gray and steely with sleek cuts, ruching and are very fitted.

Hermes---This is the picture of the Parisian, London and the Park Avenue women.  This house has been around since 1837 and continues to furnish us with styling that will add hard hitting fashion panache to our closets.  The collection is sexy yet unrevealing and the more wholesome looks are laced with high fashion sex appeal.

 Celine---Tailored elegance.  These are designs made for the very stately, serious career woman who will draw the eyes to the body repeatedly.  It has a certain voguish quality.

Giambattista Valli--C'mon and get your flirty élan on!  This collection is not for the timid, it is about making bold statements with strapless garments, frills and material feathering.  And the sheer silk organza heightens the pull to the collection.

John Galliano---The designer with the constant ACE...Has he ever done a so so collection?  Nah, always on cadence and will forever enthuse fashion darlings, colleagues and up-coming designers.  This collection depicts Galliano's rare talents, it is as vibrant as ever, the drama present head to toe is compelling, the designs are fluid silks and satins, vibrant colors and beading and sequins that adorn the pieces creating a jeweled effect.

And we have come to the grand finale----the entree, Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld.  Who else would dare to take the show to the park...the models in the most expensive clothes one could purchase are elegant on dirt...seriously dirt...how 19th century Paris chic...you have to give it up to Karl who is able to maintain Coco's vision while adding his brand of bold elegance and un-matched fashion vision to the brand and industry.  How could you not follow his lead.  It is inspirational, comfortable, sexy flirty, high fashion with frills, lace and pleated chiffon...it encompasses many repertoires including Coco's love of men's clothing on women, a style she personally enjoyed.....an amazingly superlative collection! 

By Mauva Gacitua