LIFE> Latest News
|
Prada abandons summer fashion's easy road
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-25 14:34
Raf Simons for Jil Sander stripped minimalist of its stiffness and livened up the staid Jil Sander label with soft contours — and fringes. The Belgian-born designer who took over at Jil Sander in 2005 managed to create floating, airy styles while maintaining the strict contours and conservative shades of minimalist fashion. Some examples: the back of a classic jacket is elegantly draped or cut out. Sleeves are slit open to turn into free-flowing panels, and vertical slashes on coats result in decorative loop panels. The biggest news is that Simons managed to take the frill out of fringe and uplift the silky strand to minimalist fashion heights. Each strand was embroidered separately onto a dress, coat or even a hand bag. The yesteryear lampshade effect worked especially well for inserts in dresses and jackets, lending extra softness. BOTTEGA VENETA Whatever the season or the mood, Thomas Meier, the German designer at Bottega Veneta offers chic styles with a modern touch. Picking up on next summer's easy-to-wear fashion, his collection includes ultra-soft leather wear, jersey skirts and tops, striped linen pantsuits, and delicately patterned silk shirt dresses. Sure to be a summer hit is the wide basket skirt worn with a simple sleeveless blouse reminiscent of the look favored by Audrey Hepburn in the classic film 'Roman Holiday.' MOSCHINO Taking its cue from the easygoing elegance offered by Italian designers this round, Moschino, known for its fashion sense of humor, served up an over-the-top collection for next summer. With an ironic fashion wand, Moschino turns roses into skirts and cropped jackets, embroiders a trench coat with ruffles, and decorates a simple stole with sweet bows. On the serious side, Moschino offers a series of perfectly styled couture outfits, highlighted by giant bags. |