2009 Spring Milan Fashion Week

Cavalli's moody prairie Fall collection didn't float my boat, but his flavorful Spring collection sure does. I know designers feel the pressure to switch things up, but when your forte is mad prints and dramatic cuts, your fans tend to lean on you for such splendor. Cavalli delivered the goods, while showing some new angles.From frilly cocktail dresses to daring black gowns, Cavalli brings the heat. His tailoring skills also proved impressive, via rosebud print mini dresses made of structure and folds. Some pastel separates reminded me of Zac Posen's Spring collection — there's a comparison I've never made before. Ultimately, the daring gowns won me over. You couldn't get me out of this icy flouncy strapless number if you tried.

For more sultry Cavalli, read more

Fringe here, fringe there, fringe fringe everywhere. That's the gist of Alberta Ferretti's Spring collection. The designer proves that you need not be a flapper girl of yesteryear to pull it off. Everything from floor-length dresses to skirts and tops made fringe come to life. Purple, black, beige, blue — the fringe came in all sorts of colors and lengths. While many pieces with fringe were modern and sexy, some drop-waist dresses did indeed give a nod to the long-gone era.For those not interested in fringe, there are cozy sweater vests, cool khaki pants, crop tops, and ethereal gowns. This collection is altogether cohesive in its underlying style; it offers looks for all types of tastes.

To see more from Alberta Ferretti's Spring line, read more

Not that she ever lost it, but Frida got her groove back. It's taken the designer a few seasons to really make a splash at the house of Gucci, and splashy this Spring collection is. With attendees like Rihanna and Rachel Zoe, I'm sure the aquarium colors and provocative shapes impressed. At Gucci there's always a lot of skin, but the clothes, many in vivid tropical and geometric prints, were spectacular spectacular.Utilitarian pants met loose blouses. Asymmetrical cuts supplied sex appeal. Colorful suiting contrasted sheer blouses. Many designers are playing with pants for Spring, but Gucci's dresses may keep the all-in-one look afloat. The leafy prints are Fab, in both a purple and camel and a turquoise and lagoon blue combo. A safari-infused anorak was even given the Frida treatment: fun, sexy, and party-ready.

For a Gucci feast, read more

Every season I say, "This is the season I will buy something Missoni." So I'm sayin' it again. Missoni fused earth-loving colors like grass green, yellow, camel, and burnt sienna, and sometimes black, with crisp separates and flowing dresses. Any fashion follower covets a Missoni print, but a couple solid pieces stood out too. The house's customary knits were shown through every facet, but most lovingly on the floor-grazing gowns and lightweight sweaters. And is that an obi belt I spy? Most looks were cinched, allowing the female form to flow. At the same time, peekaboo blouses and skirts demonstrated the sheer trend that is still going strong for Spring. So, if I was to finally do the deed — I'll take this mismatched jacket and skirt.

For loads of lovely Missoni, read more

Katy Perry is just cute as a button. Or, should I say, as a bottone? The men of Dolce & Gabbana not only had Katy sit front and center at their D&G Spring '09 runway show, but later, she wore a nautical sequined frock from the collection while performing at a D&G shindig. She also rubbed shoulders with Kelly Rowland at the runway show, and Cate Blanchett at the party. All signs point to new muse, new ad campaign star. I think it's a fun fit.
P.S. If you spotted it, we've already found a red flower pin similar to Katy's. Feast your eyes on this Noir for Patricia Field Flower Pin ($25).

For some of my favorite D&G Spring runway looks and more Katy in D&G, read more

Milan Fashion Week continued yesterday, with Cate Blanchett, Rachel Zoe, and Solange Knowles serving as a few of the stars who made the long trip to Italy for the big event. Cate showed the love for her old friend Giorgio Armani, along with Solange who was looking a lot more toned-down then her usual red carpet fare. Rachel Zoe proved the work of a stylist is never done — especially now that she's got a TV show to promote — as she checked out the runway at the Ferragamo show.

To see more of the ladies and designers, just read more

When Armani envisions next Spring, he dreams of pastel colors and fluidity. I'll take that.

While I favor the wispy gowns and daywear, no Armani collection is complete without a sharp-shouldered blazer and tailored pants. And so, there was something for everyone. But Armani's Spring girl is laid-back luxe; even his aforementioned blazers were twined with loose silky trousers. Ultra femme, flowing gowns are sure to be a favorite. Beading, sultry appeal, and stand-out accessories also played strong roles in this warm weather lineup.

For more confectionery Armani, read more

Milan Fashion Week has officially begun! Actress Eugenia Silva attended the Emporio Armani show looking streamlined and stylish. Her gray cashmere sweater downplays the sexiness of the black pencil skirt, while the bright fuchsia clutch and citrine necklace loop in some color and femininity. The look is finished flawlessly with a pair of gray suede ankle platforms. Subtle pink lipstick ties it all together.

Source