Simply Simple or Simply Simplistic

Images from Thom Browne's first showing of Fall at Pitti Uomo. He's got to be one of the most ironic designers out there. He puts on a show with 20 plus models, showcasing only 2 outfits, suiting and knits. With slicked hair, glasses, and this forced masculinity about them, it seems very Dick Tracy/1930s. Imagine if the new trend was to dress like your co-worker. Some of us would die, literally.

VPL Spring 09

Victoria Bartlett's new collection for VPL is all about parachute and flight. Pull strings, jumpsuits, draping viscose and shiny cotton flooded the runways last week at the VPL Spring 09 show. Headbands were prevalent, with elasticized backs and draping sides, one which was made exclusively for the ever-wearing headband socialite, Arden Wohl. Don't miss the work of Tiffany Tuddle, ballerina turned designer of LD Tuttle shoes, who made all the runway shoes. Unfortunately the runway photos do them no justice. Vibrantly bright, consistent with the colors of the collection, with highlighter elastics and rubber tubing details. The sandals are not to be missed for Spring.
More must haves: ruched body suit, linen shorts with pull ties, suspender bra top, crocheted vest and the shiny jumpsuit. VPL executes a beautifully creative collection, fusing progressive pieces with real wearable items. Bravo!

Bijules - Arsenic & Lace

The much anticipated Arsenic and Lace capsule collection was officially debuted in New York last week. The ladies were standing in windows, in true red light district form. Imagine sexy lingerie pieces laced up with Bijules gold chains. Wear the bra 3 different ways, hike the panties up, wear the garter around your thigh, as an anklet, or wear it as a headband. The chains are meant to peak out, seductively, from underneath your everyday clothes. Um, watch out fellas.
The giveaway at the show was an erotic comic made specially for the capsule collection. Hmm, the lady character has striking resemblances to one Miss Jules. The entire comic is in Italian, but rough translation is sexy talk between two lady "friends" while ripping each others clothes off. This is serious.
Check out some party photos from the NY show...

Matchie Matchie

Recall the days when your socks had to match your shirt, your hat had to match your shoes, and the more that matched the merrier? We thought those days had passed. Good thing you kept those orange socks. The runways have been flooded with monochromatic themes. Different shades (or sometimes even the same shade) within the same outfit to create an awesome update to the old school trend. Head to toe monochromatic colors make for a stunning effect. Black isn't the only color that can get away with it. See Halston, Albino, Bottega Veneta, Alessandro Dell'Acqua and Allegra Hicks' take on the new trend.