Structured designs, draped tulle and psychedelic geometry were the main design elements in the Givenchy Spring 2010 line. Amazingly, they meshed together to create an edgy but feminine rock star vibe.


The psychedelic geometry and the bold structure almost give the collection a futuristic feel. Perhaps the future as envisioned in the 1960’s, anyway.

Key Trends from the Givenchy Spring 2010 Collection

structure
draping
empire waist
gathering
geometric details
ruffles
plunging neck-lines
psychedelic patterns
black & white
stripes
jumpsuits
tulle

What can we take away?

The sleek, sporty style is definitely a trend for Spring. Jumpsuits are obviously a trend that’s here to stay. And tulle draping will be the fabric of choice for formal gowns.

Thoughts?

These are some pretty outrageous styles. Though edgy or rock-chic are not typically styles I wear, I’m really digging the Givenchy collection. The structured blazers are perfect for transitioning weather. And, I’m a huge fan of the tulle cocktail gowns.
What about you?

Sneak Peek

Check back tomorrow for–your favorite–a trend post on Men’s shirts. Cheers!

Oh. My. God. Seriously.


The Chanel Spring 2010 show was so completely different than any fashion show I’ve seen before. It was seriously a production complete with set, props, storyline, band and, of course, the costumes to bring it all together.


The scene was a farm with the models exiting a barn, slightly disheveled and covered in hay. Yep, that’s right–the intimation was that they’d each just had a proverbial romp in the hay. And, dressed like that, why wouldn’t they?


In keeping with iconic Chanel, the collection was still quite French with ruffles, lace and all the lady-like sexiness we associate with Parisian fashion. And, the classic Chanel tweed suits were still aplenty. Except, everything was fresh, more modern and reflective of the styles of the season. The skirts were shorter, textures were varied and mixed, neutral colors popped with splashes of bold shades and sheer, lacy fabrics spiced things up.

Key trends from Spring 2010 Chanel

crochet
tulle
velvet
chiffon
puffy sleeves
natural waist
tweed
lace
white/cream
one shoulder
floral
ruffles

What can we take away?

Texture, neutral colors and feminine details will all be characteristics of the most stylish ensembles this Spring. Looking natural, but still elegant and fashion forward is key.
And, I predict we’ll see garters and thigh jewelry emerge as a fleeting trend this Spring or even next Fall.

Thoughts?

I love all of it. It’s true. The chunky sweaters, the rough-edged tweed, the puffy ruffle sleeves and the chiffon. So beautiful. I especially like the updated Chanel suits. The shorter hems and the tailoring make these iconic suits much more attractive and modernized than they’ve been in the past.
What do you think?

If you’ve read ssasychic for a bit, you know that Lanvin is by far my very favorite label. Alber Elbaz is a total genius. He’s such an observant, artistic man. Every time I hear him speak, I am blown away at how humble and brilliant he is.


Elbaz’s Spring 2010 show was completely amazing. The show itself was a noteworthy production. It took place in a warehouse on the outskirts of Paris. The ultra long runway was lit with industrial lights and the whole feel was very raw. Except for the clothes.


Elbaz vacationed in South America earlier in the year and noticed (I told you he was observant) the amazing style of the older women in Brazil. Then, he noticed their daughters who were wearing jeans and t-shirts and he wondered, ‘where has all the grand joy of fashion disappeared?’ His collection is inspired by the stylish women he observed, but also by the energy he felt while watching their younger counterparts and feeling that some aspect of glamorous fashion may be fleeting.


The first segment of the show was classic Lanvin–the tailored pieces with oversize ruffles that have become the main association for the Lanvin brand. What came next was fresh, new and awe-inspiring. Draped tulle dresses in bright colors…embellished jumpsuits…gold beaded dresses. Critics were overwhelmingly amazed by the originality and strength of the collection.

Key Trends from Lanvin Spring 2010

cinched waists
shoulder ruffles
suit necks
jumpsuits
big sleeves
gathering/draping
one shoulder
leather
sheer

What can we take away?

Though much of the combinations of draping, fabrics and details were unique to Lanvin’s Spring 2010 collection, there were some trends that have commonality with other collections of the season. Draping, one shoulder styles, ruffles, jumpsuits and menswear are all styles we’ve seen from other designers for next Spring.

Thoughts?

I am a total fan of this collection. Though they’re not my favorite, I can appreciate the artistic beauty of the beaded dresses and jumpsuits. The bright, draped tulle is gorgeous. And, the classic cocktail dresses are beautiful, as usual. Oh…to own a Lanvin dress… *sigh*
What do you think?

In other news…

Lanvin postage stamps will be released next year to celebrate Lanvin’s 120th anniversary. Don’t you wish you lived in France?

Anna Sui’s latest collection was inspired by the 1967 version of Dr. Dolittle. The prints were still bohemian and the designs colorful, but the vibe was much more festive than previous collections. It really did seem that the models were members of a super stylish circus troupe. The designs were confident, fun and completely over the top. Just what we would expect from Anna Sui.
When asked why the circus theme, she said ‘because you can step into another world…I think we need it’. Indeed.

Key Themes from the Anna Sui Spring 2010 Collection

vibrant colors
menswear
military styles
ties
vests
short hems
plaid
mixed patterns
gladiator sandals
flats

What Can We Take Away?

Anna Sui’s styles are in a class all their own; she is such an individual. One style present in the Anna Sui collection that we’ve also seen from other designers is the focus on menswear. Tailored vests, suit pants and jackets will definitely be a necessity for Spring 2010.

Thoughts?

I love looking at Anna Sui’s designs but the style of them is so specific, it doesn’t fit with my own personal style. What I always take from Anna Sui however, is the desire to be creative and create my own personal style.


What do you think?

As the models walked down the runway, it seemed you were watching ballerinas on their way home from rehearsal rather than a fashion show. The top knots, bunched stockings and flats dressed down the ruffled luxe fabrics of the pieces.


Many critics tried to pinpoint a time period as the inspiration for Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2010 collection. When asked, Jacobs acknowledged the vintage qualities of his work, but said no specific period was researched–he was ‘just playing with clothes’. Calling his art ‘play’ is pretty humble.


Despite the casual feel of the collection, the pieces were more artistic than they were wearable. For Spring, we’ll find inspiration from Jacobs’ collection, but his pieces will hang in very few closets.

Key Trends from the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 Collection

ballerina styles
belted waist
flats
ruffles
menswear
long hemlines
sheer fabrics
jumpsuits, rompers and playsuits
harem pants

What can we take away?

Marc Jacobs shows us that, when it comes to style, anything goes. Instead of following the latest trend (black leather and studs, according to him), we should work to create an individual style that is an extension of our creativity.

Thoughts?

Thought this collection isn’t particularly wearable, I’m a fan of the tailored menswear and the ruffles. I love how artistic the collection is and can appreciate it for that. It makes me want to be more creative stylistically.
What do you think?