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From Transatlantic Chic to European Elite

September 29th, 2009 by Stacey Waterman
Paul Smith

Paul Smith

I didn’t go to the shows, but was rooted to my Blackberry throughout, eagerly digesting every morsel of info that was tweeted, facebooked and blogged by the fashion press on a daily basis. The shows have been glossy and dramatic, everything we wanted them to be and more. Our grateful thanks goes to Hilary Alexander, Bitchbuzz, DisneyRollerGirl, Grazia and Elle, who between them sent approximately 10 tweets per minute from London Fashion Week and delivered the drama from the runway into the palm of my hand. The great surprise was Tavi Gevinson, the 13 year old fashion blogger from Chicago suburbia whose Style Rookie blog has had the fashion industry at her feet and Peaches Geldof reporting for GMTV!! Ah how I love fashion’s “New Year” and it’s not over yet!

From New York & London

With their glamorous celebrity filled front rows and continual buzz, New York and London did not fail to impress. As Gwyneth Paltrow said “London is where it’s at. It inspires the world”. How much did we love Burberry’s return to the London runway?  Emma Watson is our new Brit icon for the modern woman, and she glowed in the front row as Burberry presented the 2010 twist to their classic belted trench coat with puff sleeves and shimmering sparkles. Cue investment piece, if you don’t have a Burberry trench, get one now and love it for eternity.

DKNY

DKNY

 
Looking at the collections en masse one thing springs to mind – legs! I have till March to achieve honed and toned pins, for the trend for shorts will continue from now through to next year. It is one thing to wear city shorts with black opaque tights underneath (bring on November), but totally bare skinned? There is much work to be done before next spring.
 
I loved the way Paul Smith combined tailored city shorts with African themed leopard-prints, English gentry inspired leather elbow patches and his trademark stripes. Nicole Farhi’s playsuits in delicate pastel prints were casual and fun and Ralph Lauren’s denim was different, but it was DKNY who really went to town with city shorts and romper suits – chic and sporty in neutrals and bold brights and worn with cycle shorts underneath!!
Yes Bridget Jones underwear as outerwear for the summer to go under everything, from shorts to playsuits and dresses. Donna Karan really knows how to dress women.
Pure genius!  
  
Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson

But it was Matthew Williamson’s return to London Fashion Week that was my moment of pure happiness. He may have moved away from Boho chic to more structured & graphic pieces but own a Matthew Williamson from any collection and it is considered money well spent for seasons to come. His work is timeless.

 

Viva Italia

Now to Milan in beautiful Italy, the home to some of the world’s most renowned designers including Gucci, Pucci, Missoni, Armani, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada, where this week it’s the Italian designers chance to show off their talents. I personally am rather excited about this as Italians do fashion like no other.

So far we have seen headscarves at Marni, the return of the corset from Dolce & Gabbana which is heralded as the one single piece of must-have-clothing for next spring/summer and super-sexy bodycon from Gucci. Diet starts now.

Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana

Saving the Best till Last

Tomorrow is Paris, the crème de la crème of all Fashion Weeks. I am anticipating more sexy silhouettes, tulle and sparkles and simply cannot wait to see the creations from Vivienne Westwood (my favourite, we love her always), Balenciaga, Balmain, Maison Martin Margiela, Gareth Pugh, Loewe, Valentino, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Chloe, Stella McCartney, Giles and of course John Galliano, Chanel, Celine and Christian Dior.

Until then…au revoir!