EMPHASIS ON SHOULDERS: German designer Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel highlights the shoulders with a strapless gown shown in Paris Oct. 03 (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)
The biggest change was the use of fabric—yards and yards of fabric were used to create voluminous skirts and dresses—and it was textured, embellished, shiny metallic, embroidered, and printed.
SHINE ON! Lebanese designer Elie Saab uses gathers of golden fabric for this dress from his spring/summer collection. (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images)
No more pencil skirts. The new ones are round and full, pleated, or gathered. To balance the wider hip dimensions, the shoulders are also often broad, reminiscent of the ’80s. A narrow waist gave the designs a perfect “X” look.
WIDE SHOULDERS, NARROW WAIST: U.S. designer Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton presents the new shape during Paris Fashion Week on Oct. 5. (Francois Durand/Getty Images)
GRACEFUL GATHERS: Italian designer Alessandra Facchinetti for Valentino show the beauty of well-placed gathers in this dress in the spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection show in Paris October 03. (FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images )
For accessories, purses this coming season seem to be of two types—either full, round bags or small clutches. Shoes, however, create more excitement. The designers have decorated their shoes with flowers, ruffles, bows, anything that attracts attention. When these are placed on an ankle strap, they can add a sensual touch. However, the decorated heel can be unflattering; it’s better left to the tall, slim wearers.
EXCITING ACCESSORIES: Big bag purses and decorated shoes are from Marc Jacobs’s collection for Louis Vuitton. (Francois Durand/Getty Images)
FANCY SHOES: Rue du Mail, by Martine Sitbon, adds excitement to shoes during the spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection show. (Pierre Verdy/AFP/Getty Images )
Nicole Davenport is a fashion stylist in Beverly Hills.
