Props to Prada

Usually I don't give Prada a second thought. Oh, I know it's all fantastic and industry-approved. But frankly, I think too many people are topping out with the fabric wallet and the key chain. For me, that's kind of undercut the appeal.

Having said this, a while ago the photolicious Yulanda and I stopped into the Prada on Bloor Street and were greeted by a) very solicitous sales staff and b) some really lovely creations. And by some I mean 12 in the entire store.

And now I'm looking at this runway collection and I'm feeling it:

PS: Do not consider the hair and makeup styling here. It's horrendous. And please don't think I endorse posting pictures of women who look like victims of famine. In fact, I desisted from posting at least 5 photos I liked more, because I feel that skeletal frames send a bad message.

What do you think?

The Antidote

Now that my bitching is out of the way (see below), I must share these pictures of Akris Fall 08 RTW. I will not intellectualize this collection. I love practically every piece. It looks luxe, comfortable, wearable and a just the slightest bit off-kilter. And I am so enjoying it's sophisticated vibe. Like a woman of a certain age, or her entirely hip daughter, could work from the same closet. Those skins (fur, suede) give some dazzle to the austerity. And the colours - or shall we call them neutrals - really appeal.

I'll Tell You A Secret

I love Rick Owens. I am even fortunate enough to own something by Rick Owens (Lilies) (purchased at 70% off from my best kept secret - other than that I love Rick Owens...) He's so Jil Sander on a bad drug trip. And by bad I mean good.

Maybe it's 'cuz I'm a Canadian Girl, but I love the fur with the neck ties. LOVE. And his asymmetrical zipper thing, so delicious.

Canadian Designer Alert

As you may know, I keep the tourism industry of Quebec afloat, and this is in no small measure due to the gorgeous, affordable design available in La Belle Province. One of my daily blog reads, Montrealcentric Dualite, has alerted me to an interesting e-zine, Gloss wherin I found these great photos of the Spring/Summer '08 White Label collection.

Designer, Evelyne Dupuis, has created a wearable, sexy series of interchangeable pieces that capture the whimsical yet architectural, sexy vibe of the Montreal culture. A votre plasir:

What Virus Produces a Collection This Sick?!

Roksanda Ilincic

All I can say is, infect me baby!

The colour-blocking thrills: yellow, lavender, pink, black. It's interesting and elegant all at the same time. And, fan of satin or no, you've got to admire those beautiful silhouettes, particularly the black and green dress and the black dress with the blue sash. A propos of a fantastic, thoughtful recent post by Riz at Mode & Utopie, what I find so refreshing about this collection is that it doesn't seem mired by the punctuated restraint of so much in NY Fashion Week. No doubt, it doesn't hit you over the head, but satin is not the fabric of the shrinking violet, and those shapes are hardly démodé (ironic or otherwise).

Love This Look...

There's something so glamourous, rich, sleek, modern about this Resort '08 Collection by Celine. I particularly love the white jacket (in pic 2) and those skinny pants and that lounging by the pool circa 1972 swimsuit. If I had loads of cash and I lived in NY and didn't do anything that gunges up ecru, I would so be at Barney's looking for these. It's not just clothing, bien sur, it's a lifestyle...