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• October 13, 2009
• Trend Spotting

The Trends That Mattered Most at Paris and Milan

By Christene Barberich & Piera Gelardi

After so many weeks (five to be exact) of tracking runways, front-rows, backstage, and all the kooky surprises in between, reaching the commencement of Fashion Week Spring 2010 can be somewhat of a let-down. But not when you spend the weekend surveying all the spectacularness of the most recent shows—Paris and Milan to be exact. If we were getting a touch bored of the expected (yellow! sheer!), there's nothing like a shot of Lanvin, Kenzo, and Balmain to bring us back to life. So, to restore your faith, too, in good adventurous glorious fashion, we've assembled our top 12 list of the best trends from Milan and Paris. Au revoir, Fashion Week!

1. Metallic Minis



We know! Nothing new about yet another outpouring of minis, but turned out in gleaming metallics, this new batch feels both glamorous and futuristic. Above, from left: Balmain; Costume National; Christian Dior; Balmain.


2. Matchy-Matchy



All-over prints on the wrong people can be a recipe for disaster. But presented by Ann Demeulemeester and Givenchy, these optical illusions are a study in artfulness. Above, from left: Miu Miu; Ann Demeulemeester; Kenzo; Givenchy.

3. Cornflower



Head-to-toe blue seems like a very bad idea, but not with the silvery-gray tone that emerged from Dior and Gucci's brand of blue. Above, from left: RM Roland Mouret; Hermès; Christian Dior; Gucci.


4. Sari Wrapping & Indigenous Patterns



The most flattering and fresh body-conscious looks for spring applied inspiration from traditional saris. Add to that a bounty of pattern and texture and the results were nothing short of beautiful. Above, from left: Dries van Noten; Kenzo; Dries van Noten; Lanvin.


5. Modernist House Dress



Maybe Mad Men revived the house dress, but we're more inclined to think it was always pretty cool…especially seen through the fresh eyes of Giles and Chloé. Above, from left: Bottega Veneta; Giles; Chloé; Alberta Ferretti.


6. Embellished Nudes



Nude and neutrals are pretty much a staple of spring, but glammed up with rhinestones, brocade, and other embellishments gave this basic shade a schizophrenic sort of chic. Above, from left: A.F. Vandervorst; Miu Miu; Valentino; Alberta Ferretti.

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