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.

Burberry SS11

Only time will tell as to whether biker chic is the way to go when navigating the new season. Christopher Bailey has always hit the mark when it comes to deciphering what the Burberry wearer wants to wear. He gives us little alternatives on the staple trench style, and from his twisted knots and sherbet colours of the equivalent collection last year, Spring Summer 2011 looks like it has a lot more edge. Just starting with the biker padding down the arms is enough to start the trend. Then there's the leather pants, and the leopard print, let's not forget the leopard print.
When big French brands like Celine and Chloe have given us beautiful, clean minimalism, I'm sure Baily has found his niche, but maybe it's just that, and not so much for everyone as it perhaps was in previous seasons.
Walking to the Burberry beat.

Paul Smith SS11

The stunning juxtaposition between masculine and feminine came into effect at Paul Smith's womenswear show in London. He manages so effortlessly to put his trademark style onto what could ordinarily be described as clothing we've already seen before. Walking a fine line between a lack of creativity, and a perfect vision for the season ahead, Smith gives us his 'classic with a twist' by working floral into masculine tailoring. This is the way of the future, everyone is loving minimalism posed against very feminine silhouettes in clean lines that don't interrupt what else is going on with the outfit.
Paul Smith, I salute you.

Contrast

Sometimes, everything is black and white. Other days fade to grey. Today isn't one of those days. I've just finished unpacking my things in my new home after an excited journey out of Sydney this morning. I left home, I'm starting in an opportune position tomorrow, the wardrobe has space for new clothes (a first in a long time) and all my shoes have a home, who would've thought? I wouldn't have believed it either but no word of a lie, everything's in it's place.
So when things are as clearly defined in the latest shows from New York and London, one must take note. Proenza Schouler has considered the conflict of contrast to stunning effect. They've finally side stepped their digital mish-mash faze and considered their origins when it comes to tailoring and interesting seam details.
Yigal Azrouel has taken the luxury sportswear route and displayed a gorgeous, clean collection of long lines and neutral tones.
Longer proportions were also used at Helmut Lang, where a surprisingly more feminine aesthetic cohesively bought the collection together.
If the series of corded garments at 3.1 Phillip Lim could be any more beautiful, there would be no words. The styling all works perfectly with the range that caters for every taste, whilst still staying true to his style.
And our Australian designers are now showing in London, broadening their market to a very impressed and eager audience. Their creative ideas are so on trend that it's impossible to know what they're going to come up with next, we can only wait with anticipation for their very bright future indeed.
Happy little vegemites.

Rodarte SS11

Sometimes a collection is so on the money, there are no comparisons to other designers. And sister design duo Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte have done just that this season. Their bark inspired backyard references are re-envisaged in the most spectacular way.
It's like they've taken inspiration from the activities of busy little sparrows and collected all that they found beautiful in the yard. There's some twisted bark, some twigs, perhaps a few broken pieces of bone china, and petals.
The styling is beyond impeccable to balance the garments as well. Let's start with the hair, it's divine, so soft and reminiscent of how many of us perhaps wore our disheveled hair around the age of four. And that makeup is flawless, complimentary to the collection and not detracting from the detail in the clothes. Appreciated on every level.
Frolicking gems.

Just Cruising

When I see bright colours, all pretty in a row, I think of fabulous holiday wear and fun outside in the sun. Some designers didn't disappoint, colour was in abundance, and it's been a refreshing turn to avoid black this season, the future's looking very bright indeed.
Lela Rose has got the garden covered. The collection wasn't as tight as others of her have been, there were a few curve balls that I couldn't quite distinct from the story she was telling, but colours and textures were captivating none the less.
Marc Jacobs, the master of picking the season and navigating it to a tee, gave us a preppy mix of silk, cashmere and full skirted silhouettes.
DKNY is the kid sister of Donna Karan's eponymous label, however the two collections were light years apart. All sporty and urban, her handwriting through this range was evident, and the formula true to form.
Sarah Jessica Parker's favourite label (and pet project), Halston gave us interesting shapes here and there, but not enough to keep me interested for long. This piece is typically Carrie Bradshaw and had to be included if for no other reason than that.
And finally, the beauty and elegance of Jason Wu's gowns may have attracted the likes of Michelle Obama and Diane Kruger on countless occasions, but this stunning gown, one of many, I'm sure will keep young Hollywood in pure delight for the season to come.
Quite contrary.

All in the detail...

I'm in the middle of packing, and it's the middle of New York Fashion Week. Never a dilemma one wishes to find themselves in very often, it's challenging to say the least. With my last day at work tomorrow, I'm counting on Friday to squeeze the last little pieces in, ready for Sunday.
And I pride myself on my attention to detail too. So it's only fitting that I notice the details when it comes to some of the collections.
Firm favourite Monique Lhuillier takes us on a whimsical and romantic journey, with hits of red and stunning accents particularly seen in this stunning crystal and tulle gown.
Prabal Garung is hitting his stride, a few season in now, and giving us all the commercial shapes that will sell and allow him to continue his creative dream in the future.
Likewise at Preen, where masculine tailoring inspired feminine styles. Accents from blazers and trousers were given a new twist when they were transformed into beautiful dresses and garments.
Victoria Beckham is apparently given more credibility thanks to her designer tag, rather than her tabloid life. So it's no wonder that the pressure was on. I don't know if this collection will sell out like her previous one, or be seen on as many celebrities this season, but it was typically her none the less, and she'll always fluctuate in popularity so the best may yet still be to come.
Thakoon is also giving us tiny little details on a rather blah collection. He's usually more creative than this, and I fear that the current retail climate may be dictating his risk barometer more than many of his dedicated followers would like to see.