Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear finale

...part 1.
As much as I was a bit disappointed at this season's ready-to-wear collections as a whole, I have to say there were a few bits and bobs from almost every collection that I found appealing. Of course, I'm not going to write about of all them - just the ones I couldn't bring myself not to write about.
Starting with...

Christian Dior

Anyone who's read my blog before, or even glanced at my profile page, would know that I just love Christian Dior. John Galliano's designs for Dior never cease to impress me and always leave me weak at the knees. That is, until now. It really pains me to write about a Dior collection that I didn't absolutely love. Don't get me wrong, I did like it, but for some reason I don't really see this collection as living up to usual Dior standard.

These five looks that I've uploaded are all gorgeous! But overall, the collection was not my favourite, as it were. But that's enough criticism for now. As always, the use of colour in a Dior collection is just blindingly creative. I'm in love with not just the pattern, material and cut of this gown on the left, but everything about the look as a whole: shape, the hair, makeup etc.

John Galliano

Another whimsical, fantastical (and pretty much any other adjective ending in 'ical' you can imagine) collection from the creative genius that is John Galliano. To be honest, I found the spring collection personally more appealing but this one definitely still had its moments. From the first glance, one can immediately guess Galliano's inspiration for this season: Paul Poiret ("King of Fashion" - a French fashion designer who was influential in the early 1900s).
The long pastel blue cardigan on the left is just to die for.

Louis Vuitton

After seeing, and not particularly liking, Marc Jacobs' own collection from NY Fashion Week, I was a little worried as to how the Luis Vuitton collection would turn out. But never fear - I loved it! Everything, namely the long trench coats, looked so...soft. It was beautiful. Extremely classy. It's nice to see a return to days of classic Louis Vuitton. I can definitely see this gorgeous gown on the right turning up (accompanied by an A-List Hollywood starlet, of course) at a red carpet event sometime soon.
But, above everything else, when it comes to an LV collection what's the first thing we look at? The accessories, of course. Don't worry, it's looks to be an extremely classy (and pastel coloured) season of IT bags this time around.

Anna Sui

One can immediately tell that Anna Sui employed the "more is more" and "so wrong it's right" mentalities when it came to thinking up this collection. But you know what? It totally worked. Although, the props should probably go to the stylist (that could be the designer herself, also, I'm too sure actually), because sans the incredible styling of this collection, it probably wouldn't have been as aesthetically pleasing.
Loving the purple tights Lily Donaldson (middle) is sporting.

Balenciaga

I've never been a big Balenciaga fan (although perhaps it's just a matter of letting their pieces grow on me? Ha! Oh my, that sounded a bit weird. You know what I mean - I need to give them time before I can like them). But this collection was a real turning point. Chic, structured, classy, but with the odd ethnic touch here and there.
My future with Balenciaga seems to have potential.

Blumarine

Ever since I first discovered the fashionably creative wonder that is Blumarine, last year, I've eagerly awaited their oncoming collections. This was probably one of my favourite shows this season. I loved everything about it, so there's no point going into detail about it all. It would take up too much time! Lol.

Very wearable, especially the look on the left (perfect for a day at the office, or even a picnic with friends, no?). Somehow I can't see head-to-toe leopard print looking good anywhere other than the runway, but no matter this is still one of my favourite looks. It is now my mission to own those leopard print boots! Lol.

Chanel

Was it just me, or was this Chanel collection extremely nautical? Lol. Loved it. Chanel is just one of those 'always-a-stunner' collections - wearable, chic, and the epitome of class. Any praise I give would just be repeating myself really, so let's just leave it at: wonderful.

Stay tuned for part two of my Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear finale series.

Catch.

Romany

[photos courtesy of style.com]