Who else could take a BEACHy motif and fill it with unmitigated glamour, gravitas, and grandiosity?  ONLY the Kaiser, that's who!  Don't let the spring moniker and tons of sand placed in the Grand Palais for yet another extravaganza lead you to think this was just an assembly of airy confectio...

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Who else could take a BEACHy motif and fill it with unmitigated glamour, gravitas, and grandiosity?  ONLY the Kaiser, that's who!  Don't let the spring moniker and tons of sand placed in the Grand Palais for yet another extravaganza lead you to think this was just an assembly of airy confections fit for two months of the year in the Hamptons.  This was yet another vast array of enticing delectables for anyone and everyone who wants to put their chic foot forward and yet do it with comfort, never sacrificing the kind of sartorial splendor only Chanel can pull off.  Amongst another tour de force assortment are the hat tip to Coco herself with the tweed "suits" and various stellar fantasy tweed elements (FANTASY being quite apropos if you've ever gotten your mitts on one of these beauties), casual yet hip and lux entries for sandy affairs, topped off by the fairytale ORGANZA  frocks and gowns finishing the affair.  

CHANEL: SPRING RUNWAY 2019:

This latter day homage to Coco, the tweed jacket, is every fashionista's best friend, no matter the silhouette, and this vibrant fuschia baby is no exception.  And frankly, the less contrived the silhouette, the better, for ease of wear.  For instant haute chic, just throw this over whatever, including jeans and a T-shirt.  Or maybe your flying attire.  There is no mistaking this iconic wardrobe staple, and it provides a quick and easy makeover as needed.  THANK YOU LESAGE.

My personal FAVORITE of a STELLAR collection....I mean, COME ON, its like Joie de Vivre in a suit.....(If you don't want to show any leg, just throw over a gorgeous underpinning from say Dolce & Gabbana!  

Who doesn't need a capacious jacket to throw over jeans, slacks, a slim leather skirt, or a bathing suit?  But take a look at the spellbinding BIJOUX!  A magician's best friend to hypnotize anyone!

The FANTASY TWEED jackets and dresses are best appreciated CLOSE UP, to see the multitude of colors, in this case a wide range of pleasing pastels, the interwoven ribbons, the immaculate embroidery care of the masters at LESAGE, and of course the beguiling buttonry from GRIPOIX.

From spring affairs to a winter wonderland, no matter the collection, most of the elements are for year round goings on!

A sartorial CONFECTION of PERFECTION, from the delicately bedazzled fantasy tweed contingent to the peekabo of tantalizing LACE!

Vacation togs like no one else could imagine....yes, Lagerfeld creates magic by seamlessly blending whimsy and gravitas.  Included are an ntriguing blend of separates and frocks that could take one from tidepool gazing to lunch with the ladies, to a soiree fit for royality.....This is a rare collection you could live in throughout the seasons, what with denim, tweeds, a hint of leathers and LACE, AND the usual evening delectables.....

Ahhhh, the expected shot of dopamine to the neurons!  A blast of exuberant lux in the form of LEMON fantasy tweeds.....an ionic spring summer color that could bring life to fall winter selections languishing in your closet...these FANTASY TWEEDS are timeless, one of the great fashion marvels of the last century.

A little leather goes a long way......and takes one from breezy beachy days to crisp fall evenings......perfect for either coast.  

Apparently BLACK is the new, well, BLACK.....and as much as I am partial to color (and the Crayola palette was so well represented in this collection), we all need the darker elements in our wardrobes, for ease of wear, the slimming factor, AND of course for dramatic effect!  The demicouture contingent will always leave one in good stead for whichever gala, opening, or soiree is around the corner, and will be a go to through the ages........(To wit, a runway frock from winter 2011 (see my homepage) worked for Opera opening in 2012, fashion week in Paris in 2012, and then for Opera on the stage in 2017....one can NEVER go wrong with Chanel DEMICOUTURE).

YET ANOTHER AMAZING SPECTACLE!!!!.......HUZZAH!

Images from VOGUE.COM.

Read more]]> The man who brought rock 'n roll glam to Yves Saint Laurent and the attenuated silhouette to Dior Homme, is back to work at the House of Celine, now another shiny cog in the LVMH machine. As the Y was dropped from YSL, so goes the accent aigu from the E in Celine.  A sea change in aesthetics is hitting the shore of the House formerly helmed by Michael Kors ("Thomas Crown Affair" anyone?) and Phoebe Philo.  From the intial look it was clear that theatrical glam and sexy chic were going to be the top notes at Celine, replacing a more spartan, stern, and avante garde femininity cultivated by the beloved Philo.  A masculine vibe permeates the current collection in the protean leather contingent, providing a yin to the overtly femine yang throughout. 

We go from maximum shielding of the epidermis to a WHOLE LOTTA LEG in many of the looks as one might expect.  Not for the faint of heart for sure. And yet there many pieces that will be coveted by the more conservative ilk amongst us, in the form of a spellbinding array of jackets and bombers and such.

Bring on the leather and the multitudinous sequins.....HUZZAH!

The SLIMANE version of the much hallowed LITTLE BLACK DRESS.  We all need at least ONE (if not TEN).  A little bit Rock 'n Roll, a little bit Audrey Hepburn.  I think every fshionista will hanker for those boots which look somehow appropriate with these abbreviated silhouettes in the context of their creator.  To change the tone of the outfit, just add some Louboutin's of any variety....

Perfect for any GALA event if you've got the gams.

THE perfect LBD for any of us.  Bedazzled just enough to engage and mesmerize but not enough to blind if a Disco ball is in the vicinity.

You can take Slimane out of YSL (aka SAINT LAURENT) but well, you know the rest......and that last jaw droppingly stellar frock? Perfect when its time to channel rock legend Jim Morrison, aka the "lizard king'. SHAZAM!

The androgenous contingent.  The SUIT is de rigeur these days and no one does a slim version like Slimane.   As for the embellished bomber, wear as above OR throw over a ball gown (Oscar, Herrera, Valentino....).

It comes as no surprise that there was no shortage of leather, in a curious spectrum of silhouettes, bringing rock 'n roll bad-ass AND yet somehow also allure...leave it to Slimane.

TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER.....An interesting amalgamation of disco queen (yes, the wondrous 80's are among us) and Japanese architectural...with a smidgeon of stylish alien.

Ahhhhhh, my personal favorite, the perfect easy silhouette made ravishing by the innumerable metallic embellishments, to pair with tuxedo pants at a soiree, or jeans for a weekend sojourn, OR with an LBD for a cocktail affair....

The maiden voyage of Slimane at CELINE was an unmitigated success!  An eclectic yet cohesive hat tip to Rock 'n Roll glam, infused with intriguing androgyny and and ode to unapologetic 80's exuberant ostentation.  FULL STEAM AHEAD!

Images care of Vogue.com

Read more]]> So said Henry the V, and so say I! After a brief, ahem, hiatus, I am once again inspired to wax on about the collections.  Bold flavors, pragmatism with romance, and an ingriguing eclecticism are back on the runways to engage and inspire us.  The game is afoot as they say! We have Riccardo in the House of Burberry and Slimane ready to make magic for Celine.  Maria Grazia has found her stellar groove.  Karl and Pieropaolo continue to conjure sartorial wizardry.  All things fashion are now WUNDERBAR!

Sunday morning we were greeted by a vast, varied, and voluminous display brought to us by the MASTERS of the Universe, otherwise know as Dolce & Gabbana.  Until the day I pass to the hereafter I will be enamored of this supremely gifted duo who make it their mission to prettify the globe.  Floral motifs, Catholic iconography, military with swank, ruffles upon ruffles, organza, and whimsy are seamlessly blended into a tantalizing confection for all to enjoy.  Add velvets and jacquard and its time for the fainting couch.

Madonna, bombshell, doctor, lawyer, CEO, pretend bullfighter or social butterfly, all are covered in this ode to feminine sartorial spendor.  

DOLCE & GABBANA: SPRING 2019

 What is the theme for the next Metropolitan Museum Gala?  Who cares, just wear this!  Who doesn't aspire to channel Scarlett O'Hara?

e

Suiting was never so plush, glamorous, or glorious.  Leave to the Boys to infuse sex appeal, allure, and old world elegance into something previously relegated to menfolk in offices....Since I abandoned St. John knits for my first Piazza Sempione summer weight wool suit 20 years ago, I've been a fan of a menswear inspired wardrobe.  The ease, the comfort, NO NEED FOR PANTYHOSE....**shudder**** With the likes of Kiton (THE most exclusive menswear design house out of Naples), Luciano Barbera, and of course Dolce & Gabbana, comfort and gravitas were never sacrified on the alter of chic and stylish.  

With the more splendiferous contingent above, there is a sort of pragmatism which comes with the inherent versalitity of a suit, no matter how lux. The jacket and pants can be easily mixed and atched with other components.  Any of these beauties could be worn along with some bedazzled Rene Caovillas or patent Manolos to an Opera opening. Even more interesting and unique would be pairing the latter day smoking jacket with a gown (possibly languishing in your closet) and stilettos or booties....then, throw that jacket over jeans and lug sole Chanel booties for lunch with the gals two days later.  NEVER get rid of the good stuff, especially Dolce runway....it will NEVER go out of style.

R A P T U R O U S......words almost escape me.....These longer jacquard delectables are ensembles unto themselves.  Underpinnings are almost irrelevant.  For a gala event, just throw over a black T shirt and tuxedo pants (think Tom Ford).  (BURBERRY happens to have fab pair of the flared variety currently in their boutiques).  As for the tricked out Tuxedo jacket, it screams to be seen on a red carpet somewhere (or put under glass frankly). And by the way, NEVER be afraid to have a man's jacket tailored down. I've done it and it works.  

MORE of the always covetable DOLCE & GABBANA bolero jacket.....jazzed up military meets toreador vibe (from the profane comes the sublime). Who doesn't love a short bedazzled jacked? Pair with a gown, jeans, trousers, a pencil skirt....and the list goes on.  As for the last of the looks?  Shoot me, I've died and gone to embillishment heaven.....nothing in that ensemble, down to the platform shoes that I don't have a hankering for.......**SIGH****** And don't get me started on the "details" in the form of crowns, purses, shoes and bijoux.  RAZZLE DAZZLE just got ratcheted up a notch or ten.

No one can touch Chanel when it comes to tweeds, or Tom Ford when it comes to slinky glamorous, or Valentino when it comes to embroidered tulle.  And NO ONE comes near to this house when it comes to rendering cloque, chiffon and organza into the most spellbinding frocks and gowns, for all tastes and sensibilities.  AND for all occasions! From ruching and corsetry to embellished cloque, to tiers of cascading ruffles, all bases are covered, whether the goal is Sophia Loren sexy glam,  girly chic, or red carpet theatricality.  And throughout it all is the indefatigable whimsy, in the form of a legion of pansies, coalescent cacti and varied flora and fauna.  

More diaphanous dreamy delectables for red carpet affairs, royal happenings, and editorial displays....get out the smelling salts!

And if you're not in the mood for full court press glam, you can sprinkle some spice into your closet via a big Dolce blouse, HUZZAH!  Much impact without having to give up an organ (just kidding...sort of).

THANK YOU Domenico and Stephano for yet another dazzling display!

Images from Vogue.com

Cheers!!!!

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEW HAUTE A LA MODE FASHION WEBSITE COMING SOON IN 2017!!!!!!

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STAY TUNED FOR THE NEW HAUTE A LA MODE FASHION WEBSITE COMING SOON IN 2017!!!!!!

Tisci presents a relatively classic collection, in that you know its GIVENCHY, however, there are some eclectic elements to it, making it that much more appealing.

Could it be that he is auditioning for the DIOR spot?  After all, there is a healthy dose of tulle, as well as ruffles AND a demi-...

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Tisci presents a relatively classic collection, in that you know its GIVENCHY, however, there are some eclectic elements to it, making it that much more appealing.

Could it be that he is auditioning for the DIOR spot?  After all, there is a healthy dose of tulle, as well as ruffles AND a demi-couture element typically seen at the end of a Chanel show.

Like Hedi Slimane, formerly of Saint Laurent, Riccardo Tisci infuses a rock 'n roll edge into his collections, which will typically appeal to the glamorous femme fatale, the gal who wants to look like she might have just jumped off a chrome laden motorcycle, and maybe even the soiree attending society gal.  And, really, the chick who just loves fashion and wants to wander outside her comfort zone.

And I am in no way calling this collection derivative, however, if you are partial to the likes of Alexander McQueen, Hedi Slimane, Balmain, or even the edgier contingent of Chanel, you will adore this brief albeit alluring collection.

Always feminine, but never saccharin or overly girly.

A lighter touch with white on white on white with tonal (so to speak) embellishments.  And what could be more glamorous than anything festooned with pearls?

Hmmmmm, his version of the BAR JACKET?

Yeah, I could see Audrey Hepburn OR a red carpet denizen loving this ensemble!  Never fear the HAT!

Probably my personal favorite.  The dusty rose blouse is quite the versatile piece which could liven any outfit up, from jeans and a leather jacket (GUCCI anyone?) to a floor length black duchesse satin gown when its time for the opening ju jour.

A delightful demi-couture cocktail frock set off with bolero style jacket in contrasting color.  Unexpected pairing to keep everyone awake and amused.  And that jacket might also accompany skinny jeans and a Brunello Cucinelli tuxedo shirt.

Demure and yet surreptitiously alluring.

LOVE the jacket, with the stained glass effect, it harkens back to his fall winter collection.

This was one of his best collections in the recent past, in my opinion, to keep every version of fashionista content and curious.  And lets face it, this can be a tough crowd!

Whether yearning for elegant and sophisticated, edgy and rock 'n roll (but always high end) or just fashion forward and smashing, this collection was rife with treats!

HAPPY SUMMER ALL!

Runway images care of www.vogue.com.

RESORT 2017 is upon is, and proving to be an eclectic mix meant for spring, summer, and even fall goings on.

The best part about the collections?  Some folks remembered how cool all those colors in the Crayola box are!

There are varied silhouettes for all comers, and C O L O R!

A mix of lady...

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RESORT 2017 is upon is, and proving to be an eclectic mix meant for spring, summer, and even fall goings on.

The best part about the collections?  Some folks remembered how cool all those colors in the Crayola box are!

There are varied silhouettes for all comers, and C O L O R!

A mix of lady like prim and proper, with many a ruffle and conservative silhouette, AND wild exuberance can be found in the collections, and certainly joie de vivre is present in great abundance, sure to put a smile on anyone's face.

RESORT 2017:

ACNE STUDIOS:

Who needs ANOTHER bland khaki trench?  Time for a paradigm shift.  Go for ANY other color.  This forest green can function as a neutral.

CHRISTOPHER KANE:

CHRISTIAN DIOR:

CUSHNIE ET OCHS:

Gorgeous, sexy AND girly.

BOTTEGA VENETA:

We could all use some Audrey Hepburn in our lives.  

ANTONIO MARRAS:

A lot going on inlcuding some rufflage.  Yay!

ETRO:

Well, looks like 70's BOHO is still in the air.  I happen to love all the color, and of course no need to wear all pieces together.  But the sweater would be a nice ajunct to one's temperate weather lexicon and would be aces for traveling when you need something that isn't TOO HEAVY for coverage. 

ERDEM:

A floral motif with appropriately placed ruffles is great for the younger gal, for nights out and weddings and such, but the look on the far right could double as a tunic for any of us.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA:

Oooohhh, simple 60's lady like silhouette (LADIES LUNCHING) in a scrumptious jacquard and gorgeous vibrant color palette.  Versatile and timeless.

MISSONI:

When you feel a bit wacky.

ROCHAS:

Critters and flowers in an elegant yet wearable silhouettte with just enough asymmetry to be curious but not annoying.

TOMAS MAIER:

Maier always manages to work chic and sporty into his collections, perfect for RESORT.  Great for traveling, on land or at sea.

FENDI:

GUCCI:

You want COLOR?!?!  Leave to Alessandro Michele to provide a bit of every Crayola in the box!!!!!!!!!!!

Runway images care of www.vogue.com.

Was this supposed to be an homage to Brazil or the Olympics?  Or both? Meh, who cares?  I could care less about the inspiration, except if known, sometimes it makes for a good anecdote or a tilt of the head.  Seriously, who cares?  Are the clothes aesthetically pleasing?  Are they wearable ...

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Was this supposed to be an homage to Brazil or the Olympics?  Or both? Meh, who cares?  I could care less about the inspiration, except if known, sometimes it makes for a good anecdote or a tilt of the head.  Seriously, who cares?  Are the clothes aesthetically pleasing?  Are they wearable even if "avant-garde"? (In the eye of the beholder for sure, but often a cause for concern if ever used in the context of art or fashion). Are clown shoes involved?

At first glance, the pieces in this show were striking and unconventional, but definitely read beachy and casual, in other words, RESORT, with an undertow of the extravagance we've come to expect from the house of Louis Vuitton.  And for the timid doubters out there, let's not forget that often some of the more "wacky" contingent coming down the runway will not make it to production, OR will be changed to resonate with the whims and tastes of the market.  This is a business after all.  

As much as I LOATHE "athleisure" wear, as it tends to be overpriced and over ballyhooed crap akin to that I used to wear to the gym, there is a hat tip to such things in this collection.  However, Ghesquiere adds touches of the abstract and surreal, I swear I could see Miro and Kandinsky in the mix, in the madcap whimsy, with asymmetric renderings and cut-outs, and the wild color palette, with mixtures of vibrant shades, elevating above the usual.  

Then he adds modern and wearable versions of the corset, always flattering and alluring.  And you can always throw these over a long white cotton shirt or a long sleeved T for a more casual vibe.  AND for good measure, a healthy dose of THE RUFFLE, of which I am a perpetual huge fan.  Several versions are included, my favorite an abbreviated black leather version leaving the midriff bare, with the always engaging multitudinous palettes.  Again, think of this as a vest, to be worn with a shirt of any variety beneath.  

For the more grounded individual, there are some winsome and wearable military style coats and vest which could be from any era, however which remain modern, and without excessive bells and whistles will likely be in a friendly price point.

Now for Togs to take you from the sand, to afternoon touring, to a glamorous evening out.

LOUIS VUITTON RESORT 2017:

 Think of these as bathing suit coverups.

Louis Vuitton will always have a cadre of wearable jackets and coats.

For those who are enamored of capes.....not for everyone.

I love a ruffle, no matter where it might show up!

A new version of the wind breaker.

The ALL purpose black jacket.  

Off white, for the brave.

Dress, tunic....

BRING ON THE CORSET FACTOR!!!!!!!!!

You cannot escape THE RUFFLE!

Look!  A SOCCER motif, AND ruffles!  A twofer. 

My personal favorite.  (But not with those "pants").  Wear with a white tuxedo shirt and slim trousers.  Or even jodhpurs. 

Hmmmmm, HOW can I turn this baby into a tunic?

Runway images care of www.vogue.com.

Just back from a fun filled and engaging trip to Central Asia, and recovering from a wee bit of jet lag, I thought I would do a bit of a hit and run with just a few images from the first two days of the trip, partially usurped by a domestic flight and many hours of driving from Tashkent to Nukus...

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Just back from a fun filled and engaging trip to Central Asia, and recovering from a wee bit of jet lag, I thought I would do a bit of a hit and run with just a few images from the first two days of the trip, partially usurped by a domestic flight and many hours of driving from Tashkent to Nukus.

A key component of the SILK ROAD, UZBEKISTAN has proven a land of mystery, explored, pillaged, and plundered, by the likes of Alexander The Great (356-323 BC), Genghis Khan (1162-1227), and Timur (1336-1405) and remains fertile fodder for the photographer in us all.

Many THANKS to the folks at GEOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS for arranging another fabulous excursion!

From the capital of Uzbekistan, TASHKENT and the ancient fortressed city of KHIVA:

The ALISHER NAVOI OPERA HOUSE, Tashkent.  Apparently OPERA is EVERYWHERE!

I was able to see a performance of LA TRAVIATA the last day of the trip!

Yeah, I'm obsessed with OPERA houses!

Tomb in the old quarter of Tashkent.

Throughout Uzbekistan you'll see striking Islamic architecture from modern and ancient times, with much of the latter undergoing constant renovation.

FREEDOM PARK.  The government of Uzbekistan seems to be on a perpetual crusade to open parks, especially in the capital city, and this was a primo example, with a myriad of trees of varied species, combined with statues and monuments, making it the perfect place to congregate and find your inner peace.

Throughout the country there is a curious juxtaposition of the ancient, the new and modern, and the former Soviet Union. 

A touching memorial to those who died in WWII.  Apropos for MEMORIAL DAY.

There is NO escaping the evil CARBS no matter where you go!  (Thank goodness).

ITCHAN KALA (the inner city, a UNESCO heritage site) in KHIVA, in the Khorezm region, dating back to the 6th century.

And old Madrasa, converted into a Hotel.

The entrance to the courtyard.

Just a few examples of the extraordinary craftmanship with respect to tiles and woodwork.

I was captivated by all the intricate tiles, geometric and floral designs, and of course all the vibrant colors!

An old version of a court, where the accused might plead his case to the Khan, with an intermediary as the common man was not allowed to gaze upon or speak to the ruler.

This handsome Camel was a tourist attraction, for photo ops.

Who doesn't love a Camel?

One of many minarets throughout the city and country.  Although typically used for a call to prayer, they were also used as watchtowers.

A view of this captivating city from my hotel room.

TRAVEL when and where you can, WHILST you can!!!!!! Have no regrets!

Cheers!

On this solemn holiday,  a thanks to all who died to serve our country.

Miuccia Prada steps a bit beyond the usual paradigm and heads towards Dsquared and Lanvin (under Elbaz thank you very much) territory.  Take a series of curious elements and blend them together in a devil may care way, as if you are a Bedouin nomad heading out to the desert for an undisclosed p...

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Miuccia Prada steps a bit beyond the usual paradigm and heads towards Dsquared and Lanvin (under Elbaz thank you very much) territory.  Take a series of curious elements and blend them together in a devil may care way, as if you are a Bedouin nomad heading out to the desert for an undisclosed period of time and you don't know where you might end up, and what you might need.  A winter's coat and school girl patterned tights? Bright frocks with abstract renderings, or maybe a corset around your jacket, in the vein of inner wares as outerwear?

A trip to an unexpected OASIS of wearable whimsy and away from the banal, always appreciated these days.

And any show that adds JACQUARD in any permutation AND military inspired coats, I'm on board with.  A jacquard component, whether a blouse, frock, or jacket, is the most facile way to add glamour and zest to an outfit.  You get automatic pizzazz by virtue of the fabrication without having to shell out a boat load of shekels for HOURS of beading and embellishments, a more laborious and tres cher way to achieve a similar, albeit more dramatic, effect.  And as for the always beloved, up there with Leopard and Trench, military derived elements, whether harkening back to Ghengis Khan, Russian aristocracy, or the French Foreign Legion, you can achieve regal, dramatic, and wearable, with a touch of alpha male in the mix, in a friendly and winsome silhouette.  A tapered waste and frog closures are always eye catching.  Add some epaulets and you get a hint of theatricality to boot, without full on jazz hands and the dreaded lapse into "costume".  (As if that's a bad thing).  

The almost da-da mixture of fabrications, themes, and accoutrement, might prove a bridge too far for some, but each of the pieces could stand alone, even the wide leather belts, which could likely be thrown over anything, Annie Hall style.  Never fear the sometimes puzzling styling on a runway show.  It is a SHOW after all, and the designer has but a few minutes to make maximum impact on the visual cortex of the onlookers.  

You'll have to fend for yourself when the separates hit the racks without all the extra bells and whistles.  By that time, all will be pared down and more visually accessible. 

This is a collection that will happily coexist with your Dries Van Noten, Marni, and Lanvin pieces.

If in doubt?  GO FOR THE JACQUARD JACKET!

PRADA FALL WINTER 2016:

More FUN with fashion!

Runway images from www.vogue.com.

I've been enamored of this guy since the late 90's, and he never disappoints. He fits into a cadre of personal favorites along with Lagerfeld, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino.

His aesthetic sense combines the masculine in form, with the oversized silhouettes and more typically male inspired Tuxe...

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I've been enamored of this guy since the late 90's, and he never disappoints. He fits into a cadre of personal favorites along with Lagerfeld, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino.

His aesthetic sense combines the masculine in form, with the oversized silhouettes and more typically male inspired Tuxedo jackets (every gal needs at least one, whether in black or white) and school boy influenced fare, to include short jackets, emblazoned with the occasional emblem and iconic striped fabrications, and the more overtly feminine elements, with jacquards, silkens, satins, and VELVETS often figuring heavily on his runways, along with the occasional bias cut glamour gowns. And in the mix is plenty of whimsy with feathers and abstract patterns, admixed with an intriguing color palette which typically includes my personal favorite, the regal PURPLE.  The easiest way to add glam and pizzazz to any outfit?  Purple velvet ANYTHING, from a blouse, to Opera length gloves, to boots.  

The animal motif is rife in this collection, with various permutations in a host of lengths and silhouettes to satisfy anyone jonesing for leopard or other feline.  OCELOT anyone? And the best part?  Dries relies heavily on the FAUX factor, which some of us HSUS and PETA lovers appreciate.  Yeah, I wear leather and I eat fish, but I say, make strides where you can in this regard.  

The upscale funk ethos permeating his collections adds a desirable devil may care nonchalance and makes the pieces, no matter how festooned with embellishments, seem less fussy and contrived than they otherwise might.  

He has the enviable talent of taking the unusual, sometimes avant-garde, and wacky or whimsical and making it eminently wearable.  AND timeless.  Anything I purchased in the late 90's from Dries I would happily wear today, and not just because of hoarding tendencies and a distaste for waste.  

Never being one to slavishly follow rules, especially in regards to fashion (it should be FUN not homework), I threw a Dries Van Noten vest WITH tulle over Brunello Cucinelli leggings and a Gucci leather jacket.  Dries can be mixed and matched with pretty much anything, and will add easy flare at a price point that won't leave you breathless or reaching for a quaalude.  Probably the best non-sale deal you can get with runway collections. Especially for the quality and uniqueness of the pieces.
 

DRIES VAN NOTEN FALL WINTER 2016:

A smashing and WEARABLE version of the TUXEDO jacket, a perfect way to jazz up jeans or be comfy at the next gala affair.  No rule that says we have to be uncomfortable in tiresome trite floor length gowns.......That being said, this could be thrown over a tulle skirt and flats or some of the crazy fab boots in this runway show.  Think about COMFORT gals, because you know that men do!

When just a hint of FELINE will do.  And if in doubt, velvet and gloves always work, no matter the affair.  Just add pearls, real and or faux.

When you want to channel an Egyptian Queen of yore.

If you are going to invest in a gorgeous staple black coat, why not one with a few embellishments that can take you from work (or wherever) to a night out?  And one you can wear now and forever?  AND the silhouette provides for necessary coverage as needed.  Great over tuxedo pants, jeans, leggings, or even a floor length skirt. VERSATILITY has always been high on the list of Dries attributes.

Another stellar glamorous yet wearable collection from DRIES VAN NOTEN!  Never a dull moment, BRAVO!  You can have FORM AND FUNCTION!

Images care of www.vogue.com.