Versus had an abundance of colors, prints, stripes and plaid for Spring 2011.  The school girl uniform has never been sleeker or more alluring.   There was nothing rigid or parochial about these looks.  The background was on a playground, witness the soccer net - it must be recess in the school yard.  The pieces had modest cut-outs and form-fitting shapes.  It was a young and playful collection, yet  judiciously flirtatious.

Images via Elle.com

Dolce & Gabbana was a story told in black and white.  Lace and sheer fabrics permeated the Spring 2011 collection.  Corsets dominated, and it was all about legs, legs and more legs.  In-between all of the skin, there were incredibly beautiful and delicate pieces; they were feminine and even a little soft.  When you have light flowy and sheer fabrics mixed in with translucent lace you have the makings of romance, and this collection had plenty of that.  In the absence of color, the textile played a vital role – it was rich in texture and in depth.  The peek-a-boo nature of the white pieces was both saintly and provocative.  Dolce & Gabbana show us that seeing a woman in her undergarment can be the most vulnerable and simultaneously, the most powerful moment.

Salvatore Ferragamo was all about luxury with a bohemian flair; each look was accessorized with a head scarf to accentuate that fact.  Spring 2011 will find easy and relaxed pieces with structured coats and jackets sprinkled throughout at Ferragamo.  It was a color palette of olive, tan, ivory and mustard with navy mixed in.  Earthy and rich comes to mind when viewing these looks.  The prints added depth and the embroidery added texture to the collection.  Flowing fabrics lended grace to these looks; this was bohemian chic at its finest.

Images via Elle.com

Emilio Pucci delighted us with soft and subdued prints for Spring 2011.  They came in hues of blue and white, denim and various shades of brown prints.  The dresses were light and ethereal, and many were paired with over the knee lace-up boots; the contrast created a romantic runway look.  It was a sexy and feminine collection, but styled with an edge.  Delicate scarves were folded into bandanas to accessorize the hair and toughen-up the flowing chiffon.  There was even a retro seventies vibe to the collection, and it was done with an attentive eye on the present.

Versace was almost demure for Spring 2011, but Donatella Versace still delivered the provocative.  The Versace woman always maintains her allure, and she does so this season with sexy cut-outs and body-conscious fit.  There were hints of skin in the collection, but nothing overt.  The dresses were pretty with modest hemlines that fell below the knee.  Geometric shapes and cut-outs brought visual interest and excitement to this lady-like collection.  Donatella gave us a vibrant color palette of red, white, turquoise, black and a rainbow striped print.  Versace accomplished quite a feat for Spring 2011; she delivered something new to the House, all while maintaining its sexy signature.  This collection is both beautiful and wearable.

Designer Esteban Cortazar was back in full effect for the Colombiamoda fair in Colombia.  He is the former designer at Emanuel Ungaro, Cortazar left after Lindsay Lohan was hired as a consultant.  The Fall 2010 collection is definitely his major comeback onto the fashion scene.  It was youthful and unquestionably hot.  His collection had great shapes and layering, combined with gorgeous styling.  Leather and minidresses were featured prominently on this runway in many form fitting ways.  It will be enough to leave you yearning for fall because you would still feel the heat from all the leather, leopard print and curve hugging fit. 

Esteban Cortázar Resurfaces With a New Collection at Colombiamoda [Fab Sugar]

Miranda Kerr is the new face of the luxury fashion brand, Jil Sander.  The model appears in the label’s new ad campaign.  You can always depend on Jil Sander for understated elegance.  It is the go-to fashion house for minimalism at its finest.  Kerr is a classic beauty who could be described in a similar fashion.  She is widely known as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but is making a name for herself in high-end fashion.

Crystal Renn and Jean Paul Gaultier have teamed up once again, this time for the label’s Autumn/Winter 2010 – 2011 ad campaign.  The two first came together when Renn walked JPG’s runway for his Spring 2006 show.  Kelly Moreira is also in the ad shot by Inez and Vinoodh.  The accessories practically leap off the page, and hopefully into my closet. 

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2006 Runway – Crystal Renn

Jean Paul Gaultier – Spring 2010

Jean Paul Gaultier’s venture into lingerie may have reached great heights with Madonna’s cone bras in the 1990′s, but he is making even greater strides with a new partnership with La Perla.  “In my latest prêt-à-porter collection I revisited the conical bras and corsets worn as outerwear,” says Gaultier. “This collaboration was a natural and logical step, especially since La Perla is the pearl of the lingerie, with the best savoir faire.”  We will get a sneak peek at two limited-edition pieces during his haute couture show on July 7th.  Look for a back-stitch strapless bra and a garter belt.  The collection will be available in stores in November.  Ladies, you can start hinting to your significant other about your Christmas gift. 

Jean Paul Gaultier and La Perla Lingerie Collaboration – Brilliant! [Stylist]

Every year the rumors surface about Karl Lagerfeld’s named successor at Chanel, only to be shot down almost immediately by the fashion house.  Why would they want to alter the right formula?  Each season the 70 year old designer manages to update the iconic label just enough that it is coveted by young Hollywood, yet remain grounded in its history that it still appeals to socialites and ladies who lunch.  That is a delicate balance, and Lagerfeld has found a blend of perfection.  The brand still carries the same notability it enjoyed during the years of Coco Chanel.  This video simply highlights the designers achievements.