I've always loved Bottega Veneta's simple elegance but the fall 2008 collection exceeds all expectations. The effortless chic tailoring, the draped jersey dresses, the understated, muted color palette, the accessories...all this draw out a new sense of simplicity: beautiful, well-structured, and simply brilliant.
Bottega Veneta
The silhouette Tomas Maier had in mind was a slim, elongated line, translated into one-color outfits with wrapped jerseys and light wool dresses, tights, shoes and, occasionally, gloves, belts and lovely clutches.
Bottega Veneta fw08
Ignoring those goofy, tall beanies, Burberry's fall 2008 collection is absolutely adorable with the overcoat being the focal point. Designer Christopher Bailey had in mind art-inspired and very appealing color and texture combinations worked from plain coats and boyish jackets to elaborated, couture like outerwear made from tiered feathers, suede sequins and fringed leather leaves.
Burberry Prorsum
As for dresses the loveliest numbers were a short, multi-pleated/draped olive green silk frock and a cocktail dress made from suede fringes in gray and violet shades.
Burberry Prorsum fw08
What I loved about Fendi's fw08 collection weren't the 24-karat gold gilded fur coats which I found ridiculous expensive and totally useless but those fresh silhouettes with short hems, puffed sleeves and high collars.
Fendi
I fancy those short and fitted day dresses and skirt suits, the leather scales covered dress and skirt as well as those elaborated knits. But what I absolutely adore is those lovely over-the-knee suede boots. I have to get something similar...fast!
Fendi fw08
Jil Sander sent forward minimalist designs with a sophisticated twist. I loved how designer Raf Simmons managed to transform menswear fabrics into sleek looking dresses and lady-like coats.
Jil Sander
The collection may look austere if it weren't for those extravagant jackets with high, asymmetrically wrapped funnel necks.
Jil Sander fw08
Donatella Versace's feminine and carefully constructed collection is one of her best so far. Those lovely single-colored short coats and day dresses in pale pink, fuchsia and ultra-violet prove how far has Versace house moved away from the bling-bling, tacky image.
Versace
There was a considerable amount of glamorous numbers: mid-calf cocktail dresses and floor-sweeping evening gowns, in subtle shades, unembellished, but with interesting pleating, tucking and draping going on. Very Versace are those colorful mini dresses with collage prints created by Dutch artist Tim Roeloffs.
Versace fw08
