Miu Miu has released The Powder Room, a short film highlighting its Spring 2011 collection.  We’re given a glimpse into an ultra glamorous ladies room equipped for a moment’s rest and all the primping needed for an evening out.  It showcases the dresses and shoes beautifully, think of it as a runway show utilizing acting skills. 

Miu Miu for Spring 2011 was all about vibrant hues in lustrous satin.  Stunning prints stole the show with motifs of a serpent wrapped around a tree, they gave these glamorous looks a natural and organic element.  It was like a view from a moving painting; each print was the glue that held the collection together and added visual interest.  Vivid and bold colors gave an electrical charge to the pieces in red, cobalt blue, black with a splash of yellow.  They served as a canvas to those prints.  Hemlines were conservative, below the knee, and long sleeves were plentiful.  Even so, the silhouette and styling made the pieces alluring.  The label gave us sexy, but a little more grown- up for Spring 2011; the Miu Miu girl became a lady this season without sacrificing glamour or style.

A funny thing happened in Milan and Paris during fashion month, it became fashionable to cast models with curves on the runway.  Two notable fashion houses took this step, and we applaud them both; the trail blazers were Prada in Milan, and Louis Vuitton in Paris.  The move towards curves have been gaining momentum, with in demand models like Lara Stone being sought after for advertising campaigns and editorials, but it has reached a new high.  Victoria’s Secret’s models were called to the rescue in Milan for Prada’s runway show, along with Lara.  Even their former Angels were called into action in Paris at Louis Vuitton.  It’s too soon to know if this trend will cross-over into Spring 2011.  Let’s not be naive, this was marketing; only the sales numbers will reveal just how brilliant.  We should not focus only on the sales of the clothes, but the accessories too.  Those who approve of this move may vote with their dollars, and purchase a Prada or Vuitton bag over other brands for fall.  Should it be a financial success, we may see other brands make the leap.  Even if this phenomena ends with the Fall 2010 season, it has left a permanent mark on all of us who witnessed the fashion industry embrace womanly bodies.

Prada’s Fall 2010 collection was a case of the present revisiting the past for inspiration for the future.  In this instance it was an expedition to the 1950′s, a simpiler time that is often idealized in film and television.   The color palette was very subdued, with tan, aquamarine blue, and black as the predominate hues.   Even the prints were restrained, though beautiful.  There were a couple of instances of an unknown material, it came in a tan skirt and matching jacket, and a black jacket that appeared to be made from a shiny rubber-like or patent leather material.  I loved the look of crinoline under the coats, skirts and dresses; it gave off a rigid and prudish vibe that was perfect for the show.  A few of the dresses had beautiful ruffled details and embellishments.  Some of the looks reminded me of the classic Italian beauty, and Sophia Loren came to mind.  Of course the show included bags, shoes, eyewear that completed the overly demure, but equally sexy looks.  Okay, the boots were not very reserved, they were unabashedly hot.  We now know that the Prada lady will look like a book-worm come fall with a twist of sensuality.  Victoria’s Secret models Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes and Miranda Kerr walked the show, as well as model of the moment, Lara Stone, and they navigated a maze of a runway.