Fashion Trends for Fall-Winter 2012...

Dear Readers,

I post here one of the pieces I wrote for the next issue of Mustique Magazine, which will hit newsstands next week... I hope you enjoy it...

What could be best to bring light and life to the sad days of Winter than a good dose of color? Well, this is one of the main trends of the season... Let's see...

COLOR: Almost all designers have fallen for it, although black still ruled in the streets of Paris and New York.

The one with the richest palette was the collection by Gucci, very 70s. Violet, deep blue, red, emerald green... in tailleurs and also party dresses. Coral red in some Lanvin outfits; orange in short rigid Burbery Prorsum coats; yellow in some of Givenchy's outstanding looks.

(Gucci)

SMOKING: It's been 40 years since YSL first presented a female version of the tuxedo... And since then there's always someone who re-visits it...

This Winter it has been Ralph Lauren's leitmotiv, presenting it with embroidered coats to carry over the shoulders. There were also warmer options in bordeaux velvet. Stefano Pilati made white versions for YSL.

(Ralph Lauren)

MASCULINE: Following the previous trend, men suits by Dolce & Gabbana, "Garcon manqué" by Chanel, black versions by "The Row." Or the very elegant collection signé by Michael Kors, with very sartorial trousers and jackets. A special note for the "femme d'affaire" looks presented by Salvatore Ferragamo, now under the lead of Massimiliano Giornetti.

(Dolce & Gabbana)

PAILLETTES: For the day and for the night. From the green and fuchsia sequin dresses by Dolce & Gabbana to the divine minidresses by Balmain, hand-sewn and true masterpieces. Easier versions by Diane von Furstenberg or long breathtaking designs by Oscar de la Renta, in a patchwork of thousand lights.

(Balmain)

GRAPHICS: Color drawings over black fabrics. The best examples can be seen in Versace's collection. Very sexy and young. But also graphic can be considered the prints shown at Prada's, more in a 60s style. In both cases, skirts and dresses go over the knees.

(Versace)

As accessories, high-heels booties, derbys and richelieux. Square bags, many to carry as clutches.