< ? $slide[1] = "http://fashionista.com/2010/01/14/pre%20fall2010%20CELINE.jpg" ?>
< ? $caption[1] = "Why is Phoebe Philo such an amazing designer? Of course her pedigree helps--St. Martins, Stella as a mentor--but there's more to it. It's her deep understanding of street style; her ability to apply the ideas behind organic trends to a more refined type of fashion. With her pre-fall line for Celine, Philo has yet again created perfect clothes that women didn't even know they wanted to wear. In this case, that means a pair of of nubbly grey wool tights or a leather rain poncho. But what I really loved was the color. I hope the saturated blues, reds and greens make their way into the next collection. –Lauren Sherman” ?>
< ? $slide[2] = "http://fashionista.com/2010/01/14/pre%20fall2010%20GIVENCHY.jpg" ?>
< ? $caption[2] = "There's something about Ricardo Tisci's work that's unsettling. Maybe it's his unabashed ignorance of the rules. (I'm thinking, in particular, about the year he put gladiator sandals on the men's runway.) Essentially, he makes things that you'd probably consider naff under the hand of any other designer look innovative. First, it's a maid's uniform made to look sexy yet surprisingly tasteful. Then, a tea stain-colored baby doll blouse is reinvented when paired with leather pants and thick boots. Even his use of stark white wool tights against an otherwise sleek and chic ensemble is jarring. Yet I can't look away. Maybe Tisci gives us what we're afraid to say we want. –Lauren Sherman” ?>
< ? $slide[3] = "http://fashionista.com/2010/01/14/pre%20fall2010%20BURBERRY.jpg" ?>
< ? $caption[3] = "No one makes a coat quite like Christopher Bailey, and for their Pre-Fall 2010 presentation, the coat was Burberry’s shining star.
S/S 10 offered heavy draping and ruching, but Bailey's taken a very different route for fall. Military influences are obvious, but not overstated; the coats are structured and strong, but not too stiff. Blues, blacks and olives dominate the significantly darker palette. Also included in the mix was the most amazing aviator jacket I have ever seen.
If Bailey wants to lead us down a more somber path for fall, I want to follow. –Kate Kaunitz” ?>
< ? $slide[4] = "http://fashionista.com/2010/01/14/pre%20fall2010%20PROENZA%20SCHOULER.jpg" ?>
< ? $caption[4] = "Proenza Schouler continues to lead us down memory lane. From 90s era, grunge prints to the school-girl plaids in their latest Pre-Fall collection, Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez have recaptured my childhood.
They kept the tie-dye from S/S 10 and added plaids, pleats and oxfords. It’s collegiate meets California surf. And it’s perfect.
I am thrilled to see these guys tackle the challenge of fusing two very different aesthetics, and I can't wait to see the full collection when it debuts in February. I just hope they show more looks like #10 because it feels the ideal synthesis the designers were looking for.
If my plaid skirt and button-down had been this pretty when I was in school, I would have been happy to abide the uniform. –Kate Kaunitz” ?>
< ? $slide[5] = "http://fashionista.com/2010/01/14/pre%20fall2010%20LOUIS%20VUITTON.jpg" ?>
< ? $caption[5] = "Louis Vuitton's pre-fall collection wasn't my favorite, but it left me wanting more. The first look, with the grey swing coat, fur collar and thigh highs, set the tone for the 60s theme woven throughout Marc Jacobs' dresses. Look three, a black and white cape, is cut from an actual vintage Louis blanket. Marc's theme deserves a whole runway, and Katie Grand's touch. –Britt Aboutaleb” ?>
< ? $slide[6] = "http://fashionista.com/2010/01/14/pre%20fall2010%20BALENCIAGA.jpg" ?>
< ? $caption[6] = "Why do I want Nicholas Ghesquiere's pre-fall collection for Balenciaga to continue on next month's runway? Mostly becuase I want to see ten different versions of the striped shearling jacket. But also because it pops with spring colors. Almost everything - from sculpted jackets to piece-y skirt suits - lands atop jewel toned tights (which by the way will retail for under $100). Plus, most of these prints look like they belong in a museum. –Britt Aboutaleb” ?>