New trends- 2008 Spring Trends- Milan & New York Fashion Weeks

Seems like designers really took in mind the beauty of a woman’s figura when putting together their new designs for Spring 2008. Milan Fashion Week 2007 continues and New York ended, as we all know. So many things kept me interested, which surprised me, considering most of the color palette. Neutrals and Black & White were the staples, the “base colors”, at the big player’s shows such as Vera, Calvin, Emporio Armani, Cavalli, Bottega and even D&G.

I think because these garments seem a lot more realistic and appealing for the “average” woman, it really did make it a lot more interesting. Plus, each designer added splashes of color to their neutral bases. D&G added blue and Gucci added yellow to their black & white arrangements and then pink to what seemed like the same black & white arrangements.

You can stop squinting! Those blinding gold and silver metallics have been tamed a bit. These light metallics were seen in blue-grey, white, crème, camel, and subtle gold and were pleasant to my eye. With the exception of Prada, who blinded me and made me a bit dizzy with confusing patterns and ugly plaids, the tone was mellow- dramatic.

Ok, enough about colors! Going back to what interested me about this season’s shows is really how these fashions would appeal beyond the runway shows and their loyal followers. In both New York and Milan, loose layers and form fitted silhouettes were most complimenting and ultra polished. Designers such as Bottega Veneta offered many classic looks with a 40’s- 50’s vibe. Roberto Cavalli stirred much excitement in me with silk/satin long dresses that displayed oversized flowers just at the bottom in vibrant hues. Designers also kept short cocktail dresses sexy with an almost lingerie look but still kept it rich and classy.

Biggest accessories, everywhere to be seen, were belts & hats! Belts seen were big, small, metal, fabric and just about any form and size. Hats were big and floppy and also military and structured. I am sad to once again say that jewelry was minimal at the shows! =( But I am determined to sift and search and bring forth the latest designs very soon! You can view comparable jewelry from the runways of Fall/Winter 2007 though!

Designer Cheat Sheets:
D&G:
-Neutral bases with splashes of blue and camel leather
-Waist-defining belts
-Ruffles on skirts and shirt trimmings

Bottega Veneta:
-Neutrals (beige), heather-grey
-Form fittings & classic silhouettes- 40’s & 50’s inspirations
-Conservative neck lines
-Light camel leather accessories (gloves and bags)
-Fabric matching belts
-Light metallics

Emporio Armani:
-Neutral bases (tan)
-Black & white bases
-Black & white checkerboard patterns
-Light metallics in heather grey, tan and white
-Rich shiny & silky fabrics
-Loose fitting and light layers
-Fitted blazer jackets
-Waist- defining belts
-Metallic pastel pearl or beaded necklaces
-Big black bead necklaces
-Long drop dangling earrings
-Wide metallic leather band bracelets in black and crème

Gucci:
-Black & white bases with splashes of bright yellow
-Black & white bases with splashes of pink
-Short strapless cocktail dresses
-Lots of folding fabric
-Pockets on almost every cocktail dress and gown
-Light colored plaid fabrics
-Waist-defining belts

Roberto Cavalli:
-Neutral bases and grey-blue
-Light neutral metallics
-Ruffles
-Light and flowing layers
-Long silk dresses with oversized floral prints
-Thin gold layered necklaces with small natural stone pendants
-Thin gold bangle bracelets
-Peasant style fabric patterns
-Things most of us would like to forget about from the 70’s & 80’s!!!

Prada:
-Used colors! (plum, dark sage, red)
-Bold fabrics (plaids)
-Thick trimming
-Light layers in rich fabrics
-Light knit “jump suits”
-Strong gold metallics paired with plaid
-Choker necklaces

Stronger than she looks...

I have to say that I was stunned along with many others, I'm sure, when I first saw this photo of a woman by the name of Isabelle Caro. According to thisislondon.co.uk, Caro wanted to show young people how dangerous this illness is.

This is unbelievably brave and I do hope that women and men both young and old, who are probably on the road to this devastating disease or are encountering it in some way, maybe with someone else they know, will look at this as a strong wake-up call.

We know that fashion isn't the only cause for this disease and many people who don't follow fashion or watch the runway shows in Milan have anorexia and other eating disorders. ANYWAY, these billboards got the job done, as far as getting some attention. The campaign was paid for by Flash & Partners, an Italian clothing company and the photographer- Oliviero Toscani.

Learn more about Anorexia: National Eating Disorders Association