High-Fashion High

This cashmere scarf from Hermès, although probably divinely soft, is not what I hope for in a designer accessory. Burberry’s cashmere is unbelievably luxe enough for me, plus has their signature checks. Hermès’ scarves could at least be orange, or could have one of the whimsical prints the silk scarves do.

(If you want to read about that fabu bag, read Pursed Lips.)

On the other hand, I love the way this model is wearing an Hermès silk scarf!

And that’s a ni-ice luxe crock jacket, too!

Photos from Style.com

Custo Barcelona, an Italian design team that meshes a little of Versace’s bold spunky colors with Dolce & Gabbana’s funky styles in creations completely all its own has a little medieval and a little gypsy mixed into its line for Fall 2006.

It’s more of the scoop-neck design and the pouffed sleeves at the shoulder that make this motley-colored dress work–not to mention it’s sexy hemline. But any sly lady can tone it down with these to-die-for strappy platform Mary Janes and knee-high stockings. Custo Barcelona keeps the chic peasant look going in a blouse and skirt combo. The bottom hem of the blouse looks like a knight’s armor, but it is feminine enough to add some pop to a simple black mini-skirt.

“I Dream of Jeannie”—this is what comes to my mind when I see this sexy cutout blouse with ornate pajama bottoms. A gal with confidence could easily get away with this for a high-fashion evening soiree (or just a night out with the girls). I personally love Custo because of their complete mix of styles all within one line. Take this schoolgirl look, for example (no, I don’t mean Britney either!!!). A lilac silky tailored blouse with the trademark “C” looks so sweet with a pleated skirt and a tiny gold belt adorning the model’s hips. With this outfit, the knee-high stockings are a must to complete it for day, or try going bare-legged for the evening.

And last but certainly not least, Custo’s flowered dress and cape are an evening stand-out. No, this isn’t just fabric with flowered designs—it’s the threads woven into flowers that make me look at this and think, “Now which young starlet is going to show up wearing this one?”

Chaiken might not be the most well-known designer on the American shores, but the designer certainly knows how to appeal to the timeless tastes of many women from all cultures. Take the dresses, first of all: From a classic A-line black dress that just falls at the knees to the collared and long-sleeved little red number that is definitely professional, these are ready for day or night, summer or fall.

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Yes, we all know the fact Burberry means classic plaid. Where else can you go for plaid that won’t get you laughed at or accused of liking that blast from the ’70s past a little too much?

For example, the deep browns contrasted with white in Burberry’s skirt looks like a professional but flirty choice for fall or winter when paired with black tights and shiny black pumps. And of course, with a plaid skirt, a solid colored sweater is a must. If it is in the same color family as the skirt, that is a bonus, but Burberry makes wonderful warm matching sweaters with its skirts and pants.

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Miss Sixty never fails to keep the pulse of young, hip, and fun ladies. Although her fashions may seem too edgy and “street” for some, they never fail to make me smile and say, “I’ll take three of those, please!”
Denim is a staple in Miss Sixty’s Fall 2006 Ready-To-Wear collection. Pants, shorts, and jackets all are stylish and flirty. A pair of extra-long cuffed denim jeans (every tall girl is thankful right about now) matched with a red and black slinky sleek tank is sure to grab some attention. Accessories are also a must in Miss Sixty’s collections: wide-brimmed fedora hats, head scarves, and golfing-style gloves add that extra punch of color.

Miss Sixty has coats that could double as dresses, but they will certainly protect against the chill in fall weather and keep girls in style. A double-breasted bright red coat matched with a woven knit hat and cinched at the waist is perfect for rainy days.

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La Perla, known for its status as one of the most elegant lingerie houses in the world, also combines that same elegance with sexiness in its clothing line. La Perla’s Fall 2006 Ready-To-Wear collection showcases a woman’s form with leaving just enough to the imagination.

An evening pantsuit is alluring because of its hip-hugging pants and luxurious fabric. A sheer sequined and satin top has ornamentation in all the right places, and its geometric shapes balance the flowing pants. Two small black spaghetti straps give the hint of a bra when the model is obviously not wearing one. If ever in doubt of a good time to let those straps peek through, take a cue from La Perla.

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Ghost, a fairly new design team to launch into the fashion scene, had to first cut out that ever-so-elusive niche for itself in the highly competitive fashion market. But with top talent and far-thinking creativity, Ghost’s collections have been eye-catching. The designs in Ghost’s Fall 2006 Ready-To-Wear collection capture that amazing synergy between past, present, and future, that stimulates the imagination.

A classic pantsuit is updated with a color-wash on the pants—running from dark gray to lighter gray and then off-white. The jacket is nicely tailored and accented with a black ribbon/belt. A deep yellow shell blouse peeking from underneath the jacket adds that needed burst of color.
Even denim gets a makeover from Ghost. A Victorian corset-style white blouse rises from a denim bodice on the lower half of the garment. Paired with modern skinny-stretch dark denim jeans and a pink sweater, the style is Greaser-chic.

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With an interesting mix of patterns, colors, and fabrics, Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2006 Ready-To-Wear collection delivers some of the spunk back into the season. Herrera still keeps things sophisticated, and her designs will appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Looking for the perfect office pantsuit that looks tailored but isn’t binding? A neutral-colored jacket and matching pants is sure to do the trick. Flowing pants that aren’t sloppy is hard to achieve, but these pull it off. The model looks professional yet comfortable as she struts down the runway.

Herrera’s scoop-neck sailor-inspired dress actually makes me want to wear plaid, something I haven’t said since the mid-‘90s. Cut just above the knee and with cap-sleeves on the shoulders, a lady must have a slender figure to pull this look off well.

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Badgley Mischka’s Fall 2006 Ready-To-Wear collection is sure to please ladies who scour the stores for that perfect dress or pantsuit for the evening on the town.
With black and white dominating the collection, bursts of red, blue, royal purple, and gold provide excellent accents.
A rich brown brocaded jacket paired with gold capri pants could work for office or evening wear. The military-style cut of the jacket with ornamentation down the center gives the outfit a very tailored look. The skinny pants could match a larger jacket or a billowing blouse.

Another excellent outfit that easily transforms from day into evening is a gray and black embroidered jacket and skirt. Matched with black pumps, the ensemble exudes class and savvy.

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High-class Spaniards are the first people that come to mind when somebody asks who embodies Givenchy’s Fall/Winter Ready-to-Wear collection. Matador outfits with a modern twist, high-necked buttoned-up blouses, and knee skimming ruffled skirts bring back a time when fashion was meant to be seen and admired, even when strolling through a courtyard.

Givenchy’s strapless black evening dress is flattering and sophisticated. With rectangular fabric cut-outs breaking up the breast line, the dress emphasizes a woman’s neck, bust, and shoulders without being trashy. A forgiving loosely fitted swath of fabric around the stomach area balances the hip-hugging skirt.

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