2011 Fall-Winter collections....

So we are back with the runway shows...

Time does fly!!

In fact, we are reaching the final installments of the season... here, in the city of Fashion and Creation: Paris!

Runway shows will begin tomorrow and will reach their highest climax (at least for me) this Friday with Alber Elbaz show for Lanvin. It's the only show I'll actually be attending because I consider Elbaz a genius. But before everything kicks in, I've been watching the collections presented in New York, London and Milano, mostly to be well aware of what's coming...

In general I can say that for Fall-Winter 2010/2011 we'll still be seeing (luckily) a lot of miniskirts, shorts, and skirts above the knee... all of them to be used with dark opaque tights. Marc Jacobs tried to impose some longer skirts but they were not very flattering. Prada did the same... oh, well... it's your choice...

High-heel sandals are still in vogue, most of them very strappy, and to be used with socks! They do create a "bootie" effect which, paired with the correct skirt length, can bring fresh and young air to the final look.

Socks in Ferragamo's runway show

Of course, there were lots of booties too and some stilettos... not so many tall boots. It seems that designers are putting the focus of the look in shoes. Just check Pucci's collection (one of the nicest ever thanks to Swedish designer Peter Dundas) or Gucci's (much more classic than usual...).

It must be said: Winter collections are much more exciting and interesting than those of Summer... there are coats, furs, jackets... so much more creativity is needed!

As usual, I want to highlight Oscar de la Renta's, my favorite, which was sumptuous, luxurious and full of color... Delightful!

Full color De La Renta

Prada's... what can I say... I find that so much print is visually fattening, and the bra-detail-thing that she included in most of the dresses wasn't flattering either... We'll have to wait to see what will actually reach production and finally boutiques and stores.

I liked Dolce & Gabbana's runway show because they did what the know best... tailoring. Lots of jackets, short or long, crossed and not... all of them presented, for the sake of the mis-en-scene, by beautiful models (most of them from Russia) wearing only "culottes." I found them well-done, elegant and easy-to-wear. 

Roberto Cavalli's collection found inspiration in a bohemian chic woman, very Talitha Getty, with long romantic skirts, lace, fur coats, long scarfs and loose hair. Interesting, but not at all my style.

So, here in Paris, we reach the final destination of this adventure called Fashion... at least for Fall-Winter 2011...