Mission: Fall '08 Fashion

Okay, so I’ve been tackling tough tasks just for you, my loyal readers. I’ve had my head burried deep in the trade mags, and oh boy, do I have some fashionable news for you. The look of fall is dripping with drama in architectural silhouettes, embellished details, rich hues and luxurious fabrics like lace and silk, fur and feathers, leather and latex.

Burburry Prorsum RTW Fall 2008

Style Trends
… inline with our impending recession (some say we have already arrived) is the grunge look, but not the desperate bag lady look of the 80s, it’s more chic and sophisticated — kind of Manhattan debutante finds thrift store chic (good news for the Olsen twin’s, huh?). Collections that featured this back alley look include Burberry Prorsum, Nicole Miller, and Tracy Reese.

Gucci RTW Fall 2008

Boho chic returns for fall and the haute looks are enough to make a hippie happy. Collections like Gucci and Christian Lacroix do it up fancy, too.

There was a little fairytale added to the mix like Alexander McQueen and Roberto Cavalli his queenly collection of royalty-esque frocks with lavish details like silk tulle, plush velvet, and gold embroidery.

Alexander McQueen RTW Fall 2008

And there’s great news for our red carpet fashionistas — evening gowns go deep (in the back) and Valentino and Vera Wang lead the plunging pack.

Oh, and remember the Madonna of the 90s, sporting things like fingerless long lace gloves, well, the look is back thanks (or maybe not so thankfully) to Karl Lagefeld for Chanel.

Dolce Gabbana RTW Fall 2008

Fabric Trends
… lines like Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabbana, and Jill Sander go heavy on the tweeds while collections by Ralph Lauren and Alexander McQueen spice it up with lavish lace, sultry velvets and fancy feathers. It looks like there’s also going to be a corduroy revival.

Chanel RTW Fall 2008

Knits are also making a fuzzy frenzy in collections such as Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, MaxMara and Tao Comme des Garçons.

Vivienne Westwood RTW Fall 2008

Color
… is fantastical in a flurry of flowers, mad plaids, and dramatic geometric patterns. The colors that will be big for fall include jewel tones like ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, and amythest purple. Brights are there too, like magenta pink and aqua blue. The earthy hues and neutral tones are just impactful, rich in grays, browns, and moss green.

Versace RTW Fall 2008

So what does this mean for the rest of us? I say hit the vintage stores ladies. You really can’t go wrong in fall because it is an eclectic mix of just about everything (you may even find some cool duds in mom or grandmother’s  closet). And, although you may not be in the position to go fab in head-to-toe designer gear, splurge a little, and add a piece or two of designer duds to your wardrobe.

Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy