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• March 5, 2008
• Runway and Shows

15 Greatest Hits: Milan & Paris

Our top looks and trends from Paris and Milan Fashion weeks. By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

For the fall/winter 2008 shows in Milan and Paris, it was more like a tale of 10 cities—from different times and galaxies—than just two. Many designers didn't just pick up where they left off last season, but launched forward into some daring (and in some cases, perplexing) new territory.

Choosing favorites seemed tougher this time around than ever before, given all the fanciful explorations and experiments: Could Miuccia's hefty, brutish lace even be compared to McQueen's fantasy Girl in a Tree? Regardless of the misses (some designers really need to master the art of the edit, despite their eccentricities), the hits—from Haider Ackerman and Lanvin to Balenciaga and Burberry—were nothing but solid-gold and platinum. Here, we've sized up our favorites looks and trends from Milan and Paris.

1. Blurred, blown-up prints—There was something about the oversized blurred-out prints that reminded us of crafty knitted '70s wall hangings or those incredible vintage sand paintings. The effect, however, was entirely cool and fun, thanks to Sonia Rykiel and Stella McCartney's gutsy, fuzzy, blown-up renditions. From left: Sonia Rykiel, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Sonia Rykiel

2. Evening skirt suits—We're definitely onboard with the return of the skirt, but the sharpest takes elevated those classic 2-piece suits to glam post-work, party-perfect proportions. From left: Lanvin, Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Chanel

3. The amazing lace—We heard that Miuccia who (allegedly) previously deplored lace sourced this giant drapery style fabric in Switzerland. We're not sure we care where she found it, only that it's absolutely amazing that she did—and was unstoppable with it. It seems other designers were similarly attune to her frequency using gorgeous, thick webby lace as their own new brooding canvas. From left: Stella McCartney, Prada, Chanel, Miu Miu

4. Tell tails—It's unclear why it's taken this long for long sweeping tails on beautifully tailored jackets to emerge. Regardless, these dramatic, sometimes militaristic styles are a welcome newcomer that any woman would want to wear. From left: Yves Saint Laurent, Chloé, Givenchy, Nina Ricci