Roland Mouret SS11

Side stepping the usual sculptural masterpiece techniques that have made Roland Mouret a name no woman in want of feminine curves will ever forget, he's changed tact and given us draping further away from the body. The colours will fall seamlessly into step with this season's hot love affair with navy and citrus, taupe is still on trend and looks to be continuing for quite some time.
These garments, like the black piece for example, couldn't be more of a staple in every woman's wardrobe. Sometimes there's that overwhelming feeling that new ideas are at a stalwart, but fashion is also about making people feel good about themselves and confidence to brave the day. For such stunning examples like these, Mouret has perhaps read the minds of the many women in professional capacities and given them an alternative to the power suit they've come to rely on. Here's femininity for the office, no clouded judgment, just classic lines aplenty.

Parisienne

The Grand Final is in full swing, meat pies and sausage rolls a plenty. Save some room though kids, later we'll be enjoying the very best that France has had to offer. It's bubbling, simmering, tenderizing, it'll be bliss. Boeuf Bourguignon for everyone.
There's something else the French do extremely well. And they'll be enjoying the very best from Christian Dior when they pull on the brightest chiffon's in the most intricate of necklines.
Isabel Marant also knows how to continue on the back of the momentum behind the sportswear trend. In the chicest of ways, she's managed to give women worldwide, the alternative to the taboo associated with sportswear as day wear.
Issey Miyake stayed true to form when pleats took center stage. The vision that's combined with the original creativity behind the brand means that ideas continue to generate unbelievable results.
What more can you do with a man's shirt, that hasn't already been whipped and spun into something magnificent by the boys at Viktor & Rolf? With lapels and collars given more attention than ever before, this is where university students get their inspiration.
Veronique Leroy considers the simple style that's synonymous with French style. With the right styling and just the right amount of attention paid to neutrals and colour, the texture brings this collection home.
Home. Simmering. Bubbling.

Bilson loves Black

When she's onto a winner, there's no stopping her. Particularly when it comes to her black jacket, frayed jeans and bootie combination. It's refreshing to see a celebrity in the same outfit more than once, heavens knows we all do it. They're only human.
But she's also never far away from her beloved black either. Whether it's in the form of little leather shorts and boots, a feminine, floaty cocktail dress or a blazer with style, she shows that it's a staple used best when lifted with other colours or neutral tones to combine the whole outfit together.
Bolson knows best. Follow suit.

Despicable Me

For every dud movie, there is a counter balance that restores all faith. Despicable Me will be just that, with a hilarious plot and sweet ending. Perfect entertainment for creatures big and small, bunker down to watch this animated marvel, and cry with laughter when the little toddler announces "it's so furry I could die"... "it's so furry"... There is no greater line, executed in no greater voice. Pure genius.

Jil Sander SS11

This is the moment. This is the moment when colour, shape, fashion and fun all come together in one happy marriage.
Raf Simons at Jil Sander does this best by sticking to a strong textile, cutting it, shaping it and seamlessly stitching it into magical garments that don't scream, they talk, even though they're like the most fabulous fruit bowl you've ever seen.
Have a look for yourself at all the others, if I could have posted them all on here I would have.
The story starts out perfectly enough with a crisp white tee canvasing the striking full length skirts that Rachel Bilson and Chloe Sevigny must adopt. Immediately.
Then there's those stripes, they're fantastic. Closing out the show, black creeps in more and more to act as a full stop to a beautifully crafted narrative.
Bedtime stories. Sleep tight.

The Prada Effect

I've mentioned it once, I've mentioned it a thousand times. Miuccia Prada takes something considered by standard convention to be 'ugly' and turning it into something exquisite.
I think over at Marni, they were following the same brief. There are shapes and styles here that would turn even the most liberal minded heads.
Considerably alternative but to beautiful effect is Missoni's signature style. The plastic bags make me think about consumerism though, and what affect this is all having in an ever growing market.
Wrapped and strapped at Emilio Pucci, flowing silk and references to all things bondage were taken to a whole new feminine level, taking the trash out of the picture.
Roberto Cavalli knows how to turn up the heat himself, with revealing and provocative styles present in most of his collections. But with a softer colour palette this time around, and the use of mega model Natalia Vodianova, he also managed to spin his confection into something that could be considered by many as a sticky, unglamorous look.
So it's no surprise that the most captivating of all came from Alessandro Dell'Acqua, whose doily esque tops and frocks could have turned into one big mess, were given strength and charisma with the best tailored crop pants on show. Add a splash of red and orange, and there isn't a frazzled dear in sight.

Bold Colour

Milan is a hub of fashion activity and it should stay that way. Untainted, fashion forward and fresh.
So Muicca Prada's put her stamp all over it with her new collection. It won't be to everyone's liking, and the shapes aren't exactly wearable in an everyday sense with high and flat necklines, raglan sleeves and mid-drift lengths. I'm only hoping with these colours that we'll soon again see the pretty gelato ballet flats from 2006. Fingers crossed.
They also got the colour bug over at Gucci, where they opened the show with a few options, all twisted in silk georgette for maximum impact before fading into another trend we're experience with sandy colours. A collection to appeal to the masses for a nice Gucci change.
Adoring the Fendi collection for its broad appeal and summery feel, there's no denying this is the time in fashion where designers aren't taking too many risks as they build their retail figures back to brimming.
Versace often goes hand in hand with sexy, body skimming styles and this collection didn't disappoint. Surprising black and white, there was definitely a conservative vibe that's undeniably a business strategy as opposed to the creative designs we've seen in previous collections.
The emergence of Etro as a new global player on people's radars looks set to take us to a Moschino/Missoniesque summer vacation. It's never before experienced so much public exposure as the last year, and only time will tell if it's providing a greater point of difference from an already over saturated market.
Sum. Summed up.