Fashion Trends

The most glamorous film festival existent did not disappoint this year, world crisis and all. For twelve days (May 13-24) Cannes was the scene of international art cinema and glamorous style. The movies might have been controversial but the outfits were breathtaking and that was unanimously agreed. Big screen's lovely muses from around the world paraded on the red carpet starting new trends in fashion and beauty. Armani Privé, Atelier Versace and Marchesa couture houses were favored.

Sheer gowns with thigh-high slit wow the audience (men, especially) but simple hair-do, make up and minimal jewelry keep this look lady-like. 

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace, Rachel Weisz and Evangeline Lilly, both in Valentino. 

Spring 2009 will see the return of bright, cheerful colors in tempered combination with "deeper, translucent or neutral tones". Pantone Color Institute and New York fashion designers released a full report on the fashion colors, inspirations and must-haves for spring 2009.

Green is definitely the color of spring 2009 as it will invigorate us and our wardrobes with three different tones: the quintessential spring hue Vibrant Green, the calmer and sophisticated Dark Citron, and clean, clear Lucite Green with a subtle shimmer.

Trend spotting continues! Here are the spring 2009 fashion trends at first look over Paris Fashion Week collections:

Asymmetric: long/short trail-y gowns irreverent called ‘mullet dresses' made a shocking appearance on Paris runways. Except for an iconic rock wedding dress of the early 90s this cut never emerged as a fashion trend and I think neither will now, although we will see some experiments on the red carpet.

Balmain, Elie Saab, Emanuel Ungaro and Nina Ricci

Milan Fashion Week revealed the Italian view on spring 2009 fashion: glamorous and sophisticated, sometimes opulent but very feminine. Here are some of the spring 2009 trends:

1. Bejeweled: not only evening gowns but also trenches and short coats are adorned with stones, big paillets, studs or crystals.

Alberta Ferretti, Burberry Prorsum, Derercuny, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro and Blumarine

London Fashion Week (14th-19th September 2008) revealed some of the spring 2009 trends. These were the most obvious for me; if you noticed other trends feel free to share your findings.

1. Color block: clashing two or three color combinations; hot pink or fuchsia makes a vivid contrast with fluorescent shades of yellow, orange or green.

LF Markey, Josh Goot, Richard Nicoll and Sinha Stanic

Pencil leather skirts emerged as a trend throughout spring 2009 New York collections. And not only skirts; slick jackets, dresses and even leather tops that placed this material in a sophisticated area, pushing it forward from the fetishistic/stereotype category.

And, with today's technology development, artificial leather versions like latex and all sort of high-tech pvc coated fabrics are more comfortable, softer and look even better than leather; so it has never been more easier and classier to make a eco-friendly choice.

Matthew Williamson, Rag&Bone, Stærk, Zero Maria Cornejo

All-over frills and ruffles is still a big trend but what got my attention were these amazing sinuous tiered ruffles that call to mind exotic sea creatures.

3.1 Phillip Lim, Preen, Yigal Azrouël