London. Milan. Paris. New York. Imagine traveling to these spellbinding cities for fall fashion week, where you are relentlessly surrounded by the glamorous designs of the hottest designers of the year. Even though spring had not yet sprung, the global fashionistas gathered in these four fashion capitals in February to preview the upcoming looks for fall 2008.
Throughout this recent decade of high fashion pouring out uncontrollably in worldwide fashion scenes, London, the underdog, proved it deserves a spot in the international fashion arena. Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood, and Nathan Jenden were some of the designers that contributed to the overall edgy, non-commercial themes of London's runways. Cello-shaped silhouettes and large, angled shoulders, coupled with dark makeup, were key facets of the collections. Others drew on themes of plaids, puffy pants, and the 1920s.
On the Italian runway scene, attendees were exceedingly satisfied with the always-pleasing designs of Versace, Gucci, and Prada. Donatella Versace's collection was very memorable, providing a sweet balance of her usual polished daywear with a sexier spin on some of her other pieces. Gucci added a bohemian flavor of fur jackets, tapestry bags, and sash belts into the mixture of its typical, sexy styles. Miuccia Prada used a raised platform, where models walked in odd angles, wearing cotton and silk silhouettes from the collection. Milan's designers utilized pastel-like colors, while still maintaining a fall look.
Paris was graced by the exquisite collections of Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Viktor & Rolf, and Balenciaga. Robert Owens had the hair of his models fashioned like that of the eerie girl from The Ring. He paired the hairstyle with dark garments to successfully add to the cryptic theme. Dior made a loud statement with '60s hair and makeup that added to its vibrant silhouettes of bubble dresses, skirt suits, A-line skirts, and furs. As for Balenciaga, the collection showed simple cocktail-like dresses. They were highly polished and extremely wearable.
The Big Apple showcased many talented designers like Proenza Schouler, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, and Michael Kors. Critics claimed the designers were "too safe." According to TIME magazine, Ralph Lauren ultimately put on a "safe" show, presenting viewers with consistently gray apparel. Jacobs's "calm" collection proved it really was nothing overly exciting. Kors drew on themes of Jackie Kennedy, using brown, green, and purple colors. Regardless, fashion week concluded with well-deserved, positive appraisal for the wonderfully talented designers.
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