Ok, so Elizabeth Taylor might be an obvious choice, but when her auction showcased her Vuitton luggage with name tags declaring “Mine!” I kind of fell in love all over again with the late, great super star.
Also on my short list of fashionable ladies? How about the sexiest cat lady, the creator of the bias cut, one of the greatest Super Models, an iconic textile artist, and a pioneering punk…
2. Julie Newmar
5. Maija Isola
6. Poly Sterene
OK, so it’s taken forever to organize and write about it, but Paris was amazing, just amazing. And if I had to choose a favorite it would be Comme des Garcons off the wall white wedding. Walking art!
Vivienne Westwood presented amazing off kilter looks that magically played with human proportions. This mystery rich woman vacationing in the desert look is a personal favorite.
Yohji Yamamoto was at his very best with these feminine black and white looks. Love the unique sleeves and layering.
Like every one in this row, Ann Demeulemeester is known for doing the same but different, and like everyone mentioned as well, this season’s different was extraordinary. Her East meets West collection of floor skimming skirts, wide brimmed hats,double breasted jackets and fringe was quietly epic.
Givenchy, after a few stunning shows, was admittedly not my favorite, but this leather dimensional mini was pretty amazing.
A.F. Vandevorst’s drapey gothic mix of feminine and military could have walked off into the sunset with the Demeulemeester collection and lived happily ever after. Must figure out how to mimic this great small jacket, flowing top, skinny jeans look.
I am not a minimalist but this simple yet off kilter jacket by Nicholas Andreas Tralaris is spectacular.
Damir Doma, also following a dark feminine trail. The gold neckline of this gown is elegant and would be so awesome for holiday parties. The choker is a definite want.
What an unexpected surprise Valentino was! I almost feel bad being so in love with the collection when Valentino is no longer at the head, but with gorgeous silhouettes, wonderful embellishment and fun surprises (hints of black and neon on conservative beige!) this was one of the seasons bests.
Chanel was in a winter wonderland and finally making lots of flattering pieces. This puff sleeve pocketed eyelet dress is incredible.
Vuitton was on a similar brainwave with thier carousel of confectionery dresses. Kate Moss looks stunning in this full skirt mini – a silhouette I’d love to come to chain stores so the rest of us can try it.
Sophia Kokosalaki presented a beautiful collection. This fairy princess gown would be such a dream wedding gown.
Alexander McQueen continues to honor his legacy. This floor length beige lace gown.. wow. And it vaguely reminds me of one of my favorite dresses.
Balenciaga hasn’t been a personal favorite for a few seasons but all that stopped with this outrageously chic and stand alone collection. The long visor hats! The interesting silhouettes and materials, it all made for a eye opening experience that was truly unlike anything else seen this season.
Beige craze continues with this gorgeous flower of a dress. So pretty, too bad the chances of finding anything like it are slim.
Junya Wantanabe’s The Birds meets the British countryside collection – so great! Loved so much, but my heart stopped when I saw this cape jacket. What I wouldn’t do…
Usually I try to find trends that us normal people can use in shows, but frankly so much of Paris was uniquely high fashion that I’ve mostly just been in awe BUT here’s a look we can steal from. Love how Veronique Leroy uses a utilitarian color to toughen up the girlie pleated skirt and bow collar top. Also, think one color ensembles will be tres chic for spring.
Yellow looked bold and refreshing at Rykiel and this mustard canvas skirt is pretty killer. Love the idea of layering a skinny top with a tank too.
Kenzo was full of fun just look at this balloon pant, ruffle top outfit. This should not look good, and yet it does. Wonder if really full pants can be worn in real life?
There were so many Rue du Mail dresses I coveted that this was one of the hardest to choose a single image from. I especially love when they pull from romantic vintage inspiration.
Nina Ricci was also lovely and romantic, this ditsy confetti floral dress is just too cute for words.
Oh Carven, you have won my heart over and over. Neon tribal? Thank you, thank you!!
Miu Miu’s heavy jacquards rule and I think we will be seeing more of the trend in upcoming collections.
So much wearable wonderfulness from Sacai! I suddenly need a floral spring jacket and a see through pleated skirt. This look is too perfect.
More amazing looks after the jump.
Click here for the rest of Best of Paris Fashion Week
aka Alice PrinBefore there was Edie Sedgwick there was Kiki de Montparnasse. Muse to the biggest most interesting artists of her time, she represented the new found freedoms for women in the roaring 20’s.
Independent and vibrant, Kiki had a distinctive profile, the cutest short bob and the bedroomiest of eyes.
Even if you don’t know her name (or only know the upscale lingerie store named after her) you have probably seen her image in paintings, films, sculptures and photographs. Perhaps most notably as the violin lady by her friend Man Ray.
Textile ArtistMarimekko still inspires with their bold but simple designs. But who was behind those bright big poppies? A talented unique textile artist named Maija Isola.
The Finnish textile artist actually rebelled against a Marrimeko ban on florals to create her most lasting pieces and sacrificed quite a bit for her art. In order to travel for artistic inspiration, her daughter was mostly raised by her grandmother.
Her iconic designs can still be bought and might well be the most universally recognizable textiles ever made.
She passed away in 2001.
MuseFew people fit the description of style icon as completely as Loulou de la Falaise who passed away today at age 63.
Always impeccably stylish, she was a unique beauty with wide eyes, an impish grin and effortless elegance.
With her individual style usually consisting of lots of layered baubles, a timelessly chic wavy bob, skinny pants and perfect blouses, she was friend and muse to YSL who credited her with inspiring his tuxedo jackets.
A remarkably fashionable woman, who was after all, the daughter of a model and count, she also notably joyful. In nearly every photograph she is smiling or throwing her head back in laughter.
If anyone lived the idea of growing old gracefully it was her and I think that constant smile had something to do with it.
Paillettes, paillettes, three cheers for paillettes!! This silver tux coat’s fab but I am even more in love with the Valentina tee. The look’s from Iceberg, which I usually find you have to be Euro, and a pretty weird Euro at that, to appreciate but this collection was over all surprisingly great.
Piazza Sempione is another line I don’t recall being wowed by in the past but this collection was lovely. This pale pink, casual/luxe look is especially beautiful.
Emporio Armani dazzled me with this look. I love when outfits look flawlessly thrown together. You don’t see pants, tunic, cardigan – you see eccentric elegance.
Armani again with these gorgeous balloon skirt gowns. Not usually my thing but these are really lovely. I could imagine getting married in the one on the far right. Or at least really ruining someone elses wedding by showing up in it.
Didn’t like Pucci on Gwennie, though I am one of those that can’t stand the woman so how could I? But this white ensemble makes me happy in a way that belly tops rarely do. The whole collection had a very of the moment Dia de Los Muertes vibe (did anyone else notice there were more than a few sugar skulls ladies out on Halloween? A great idea but somehow suddenly ubiquitous)
Aqualino.Rimondi with its architectural shapes, soft palette, and elaborate prints was one of my favorite shows from Milan. It was tough to choose one favorite but I love the shape and interesting mix of silver and gold of this one.
Glad to see pink was still big in Italy. This pale cut out mini is just the right mix of pretty and Versace slutty.
Whereas Marni got their bubble gum hue on with just the right mix of sexy and Marni dorkiness.
I won’t lie, Prada was not my favorite. I thought the first applique was a squid, found out it was a hot rod, and it was over. But have to love a knee length soft leather forest green pleated skirt. Killer.
Oh! this see through bulky cable knit cardigan would be so rad to have in the in between seasons. Throw it over a summer dress in fall, a tee and jeans in spring. Too bad finding something like this for the less than wealthy is hopeless.
Not wild about the necklace afterthought, but the black gloves, the uptight stiff collared shirt and the dangerous looking silver skirt is more than a little bit genius.
Jil Sanders’ clinical whites are inspiring me to seek out white knee high boots. The Picasso sweaters were also amazing.
Where Moschino was too costume-y, the farmers market themed Cheap and Chic was just goofy enough to be fun but totally wearable. I’d love a poof skirt dress with a green grass print!
This Dolce and Gabbana look makes me want to go on vacation now, this instant. I want to wear this with a huge brimmed hat, have someone place a lei around my neck and eat complimentary fruit plates with some beach appropriate cocktail. Now!
D&G somehow made scarf prints fresh again. Lots of fantastic hippie dresses on display but this mini was too great not to share.
Antonio Marras was one busy man. First, there was a nice collection with cute looks, and then, at the end an entire second collection on a different vein, including this awesome folksy skirt at jacket. I could incorporate this into my wardrobe so easily. Will have to keep an eye out for similar vintage items.
Oh my goodness! Cut out two tone oxfords! I am dying over Ter et Bantine’s shoes.
Ok, this is Albino dress is what I’d like to wear to someone’s wedding without committing any faux pas.
Not many people were on the super luxe excess train but this silk parachute pant red purple animal print look from Ferragamo is timelessly tacky – and I sincerely mean that in the best way. If I were to start full time work again tomorrow and had a boat load of money to buy my first day outfit. I’d wear this (sans cleavage). It would be awesome.
Dsquared2 took obnoxious to a new level with the Heiniekin infused rich hipster collection. BUT my god, the embroidery on these jeans!
More favorite looks after the jump…
Click here for the rest of Best of Milan Fashion Week
CarrieWhile Sissy Spacek made bloody horror movie history (and inspired one of my Halloween costumes – see below) in her role as Carrie White, she’s no typical scream queen.
An incredible talent, she’s shone as a shy mass murderer in Badlands (what would be my first stop in a Spacek movie marathon), sang beautifully as a Coal Miner’s Daughter, and later graced independent dramas In the Bedroom and Affliction with her subtle complexity. All the while maintaining a perfectly normal and non-Hollywood marriage and family life.
She’s always been very earthy and graceful style wise and is a huge argument against the pervasive rite of women cutting their hair off at a certain age.
Original Riot GrrlNo front woman before or since has quite been like Poly Styrene.
Round faced and wide eyed, she looked about twelve years old when she was shouting up yours as the face of the Xray Spex (who I am getting acquainted with thanks to Spotify) one of the most influential punk bands of the 1970s.
Sporting braces and a smile she was a rebel among rebels. Her performances were lively and punctuated by neon outfits, hard hats, and wild mini dresses.
Styrene, whose real name was Marianne Joan Elliott-Said sadly passed away earlier this year but undoubtedly influenced countless young girls in her lifetime and beyond.
Love Mary Katrantzou and this floral puff of a dress is particularly wonderful. It’s like a happy explosion of spring at its best and a new silhouette which is a rare thing.
Peter Pilotto was another favorite collection. His use of Indonesian tropical prints was awesome, an interpretation that feels new and sexy.
Time to find all the floral prints we can, right? Erdem’s mixing of girlie patterns will have a huge influence on me (and probably many other girls itching to look dainty and pretty).
Christopher Kane was even softer and daintier than seasons past and this shimmering floral top and silver mini were the tops. This top just makes me happy to look at it.
David Koma reminded me of Tron and Grace Jones, so of course, in my opinion the collection ruled. The disco ball and neon stuff was fab but I’d really do just about anything to be able to pull off (and afford) this pink and white body con number. I hope this cut out design trend trickles down to the cheap mall stores, I really do.
Antonio Berardi took similar geo shapes and created a gorgeous collection of silky dresses, often dipped in rubies. So many pretty dresses to pick from, but I found these elaborately embellished leggings with the palest of pink blazers to be the most interesting look. And it continues the London influx of pink, which you’ll see more of very soon.
Fashion Fringe offered a great collection from Fyodor Golan, whose Birds meets Victorian goth gowns reflected their time as designers at Alexander McQueen. Love the fly away sleeves.
Julian MacDonald continues to wow me with his intricate details and this semi see-through gown is one of the most eye catching. It’s nothing we mere mortals could dream of replicating, but it’s the stuff day dreams of red carpets and special parties are made of.
I promised you would Think Pink! and this soft take on menswear from Thomas Tait was one of most unexpected places to find the feminine color. (Also, isn’t Tait just a total, wonky babe?)
Another shade of rose came alive in an adorable full skirt dress at Acne. Love that looks are continuing to be kind of buttoned up instead of overtly sexy.
A similar shape and more coral tone comes from Nicole Fahri. And aren’t you starting to ache for a pink dress of your own?
If not, this Roksanda Ilinic fuchsia knee length look, complete with matching hair should do the trick.
Burberry just can’t do any wrong in my eyes. Every collection has about ten looks I can’t choose from. This time it was perfectly pleated skirts, rad prints, cropped jackets and interesting color combinations that had me smiling. And those shoes, my goodness.
I’m not always drawn to simple looks, but Paul Smith showed that simple can be perfect. The neutral paired with bright yellow, the easy shoes and belt, man, even the fedora – a trend I thought had sh-t the bed, looks casually cool. If you saw this girl walking down the street, you’d yearn to be her friend and start looking for a yellow skirt.
Jonathan Saunders is usually a top favorite, but following the pastel trend, he wasn’t quite on my wave length. Still, there’s no denying the beauty in this layered look. Shades of grey and pale brights – must remember this pretty combination!
This Jaeger Collection bold striped retro dress is probably has the most in common with my own wardrobe, except I suspect it’s done in a finer fabric than polyester and cost more than $8 on ebay. Anyways, I love it.
Oh Sass and Bide, you make me happy! This bright vaguely ethnic gown is one of my top loves of the whole London shows. Ok, not to totally nerd out, but it’s what I would wear if I were Daenerys Targaryen.
Emilio de la Moreno was a near miss for me, but I was totally sucked into this crafty embroidered dress. Can’t even tell what it is exactly but I like.
Not a fan of all of what strutted down the JW Anderson runway but I would love to get my hands on this chain mail inspired flirty dress.
Love the shape of this Mark Fast mini. It was the freshest manifestation of his crochet fringe vision.
Ok, another typo – apologies – this lace meets psychedelic look is from Clements Ribeiro and it’s pretty darn fabulous. Who thought components as at odds as this would look so nice together. And who thought optic illusion prints could be cool again after the 1990’s?
Love the way this black and white photo print cuts to color. A wild look but also totally wearable.
Peter Jensen showed a lot of copyable looks but I loved this prom dress over button down the most.
Willow took their theme and ran with it, and it resulted in this stunning, dreamy and strange dress.
After the jump see other excellent looks and soon I’ll have Milan and Paris for you.
Click here for the rest of Best of London Fashion Week
Diane Naegel, creator of both the Wit’s End parties and was a unique soul. Always looking like a diva, but never acting like one, she was stylish, creative, caring and beautiful.
She was also a co-worker and friend.
I was totally shocked and heart broken to hear she had lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 31. Her accomplishments and kindness will live on within the many people whose lives she touched.