2009 Spring Couture: Christian Lacroix

Opulent, whimsical, vivid — all adjectives you can count on Lacroix to bring. However, considering this is couture, the French great toned things down a tad. There's still plenty of pouf and crazy, but this collection felt tame. Or maybe I just prefer when Lacroix goes mad . . . Influences were varied: Spanish luxe, retro prom, Parisian flourish, but it was unmistakably Lacroix. Some dresses resembled exotic bouquets of flowers, while others an English garden party. Meanwhile, separates were jumbled together to create a high-end hodgepodge — very inspiring. Stacked bangles and oversize earrings were noteworthy. Then there's the bride, in her white and gold decadent glory. As always with Lacroix, I'm smitten.