chiffon

Nina Ricci, Alberta Ferretti, Elie Saab, and Marchesa set the mood for romance on the Fall '11 runways — but we're in the mood right now. Apparently, so are some of our favorite celebs, showing up in breezy florals, sheer details, and delicate lace. Zoe Saldana, in a creamy, flower-print halter from Chloé 2012 Resort, makes us want one our of own gorgeous rendition for afternoons out or cocktails in the backyard. With Blake Lively in Chanel and Diane Kruger in pink lace, we're reminded just how chic feminine details can be. Let's all indulge a little romance and whimsy to live out the last days of Summer. Shop our editor's picks to channel the trend.

We're big time fans of chiffon and half expect it from Los Angeles because of the climate, so we were pleased when some of the Amelia Toro designs showed really pretty examples of this fabric. There was red printed maxi dress that was very loud without being tacky, a nude pleated dress that would have been a great day-to-night piece, and a sky blue ultra-feminine dress that would go perfectly with an over-the-top pair of heels. There were some floral prints we could have done without because they looked dated, like Lisa Loeb-era, and also some silhouettes that wrongly evoked the same time period, but aside from that everything was fine. Another nice touch were the striped maxi dresses that we nice a sporty option. Horizontal stripes might scare off some people but in Los Angeles we're guessing they are less likely to avoid such things. 

Greek fashion designer, Sophia Kokosalaki, showed a Spring 2009 collection with breezy chiffons, exotic details, and sculptural separates and we have to say that all three of these things feels kind of like old territory but we're not totally turned off. The tailored jackets and trousers, for instance, were sculptural but not to the lengths of Balenciaga, making them understated and accessible. The chiffon dresses, however accustomed we are to seeing them, will join offers from the other Paris-showing designers who also chose to go that route. As for the exotic detailing, which is a signature for the designer, we reckon it will hit home with those newly addicted Balmain fans who want sex appeal at all costs. 

The Australians really seem to enjoy letting it all hang out if Rosemount Australian Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2008 collections are any indication. If you want a little peek a boo there is plenty to see on the runway from bare tits poking out from see through tops at Manning Cartell and Silence is Golden to tamer bare midriffs at Camilla. And of course the Aussies love their bikinis.

Despite all of the bare skin, big boobs, and tan hides, we are most fascinated by a subtle cover up from Stretsis. The designer Pim Sukhahuta showed a haunting collection of barely there dresses with delicate fabrics like charmeuse and chiffon. But the most fascinating element of her collection was the styling choice of a chiffon cat mask. The cat mask perfectly hovers over the models upper face, sheer enough to see out of but clearly obscuring the natural face leaving the viewer in an uncomfortable middle ground between seeing and being seen that leaves many questions about the power of the gaze unanswered. The fact that the cover up was paired with a very sheer top doubled the fascination quotient for us. It was a most unexpected intellectual quandary in the midst of overdone visceral stimulation.