Milan Fashion Week has quietly come to a close and without skipping a beat, Paris Fashion Week has begun. Today marks the first day of Paris shows, featuring the likes of Rochas and Gareth Pugh and causing weary fashion editors to dab some La Mer around their puffy, sleep-deprived eyes. And though the craziness of the season has officially taken its toll, retail buyers were sending reports from Milan so saturated with enthusiasm that it seems it all may be worth it. “The Milan collections felt more commercially relevant than in recent seasons: either hot and sexy or light, fluid and romantic,” said Jennifer Wheeler, vice president of designer apparel at Nordstrom. Wheeler's sentiments were echoed throughout the overall review of nearly every buyer present, lauding the fresh, revitalized feel the fashions conveyed for spring.
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Prada Spring 2010
Jil Sander Spring 2010
Many buyers expressed confidence that the Milan collections had what it will take to get their customers excited about next season and drop some much needed funding into the retail industry. Buyers said they were working with similar budgets to last year and would be smart in choosing which collections to back. “We’re focused on finding terrific items. Our customer is buying what she doesn’t have in her closet,” said Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus. Companies outside of Europe had to be particularly cautious with the tumultuous nature of the country's currency in regard to their own. “With the strong euro, we will have to be more careful with what we buy. The products have to correspond rightly with the price,” said Cindy Ho, fashion and merchandising director of Villa Moda, Kuwait. Even in the shows themselves, buyers found ways to cut corners by opting out of actual shows in favor of showroom appointments or giving up front row seats. "I think the obsession with front-row seating is a symptom of an overactive ego. We should be thankful we’re here,” said Stephanie Solomon, vice president of fashion direction at Bloomingdale’s.
Roberto Cavalli Spring 2010
And thankful you all were, as the uglier business side was forgotten and the elegance and sheer beauty of the designs took over. The most mentionable looks of the season included transparency and layering; lingerie detailing like lace and feminine prints; miniskirts and dresses, shorts, floaty pants and tailored jackets were among the most must-have items. In terms of color, favorite palettes included black and white and bold, pastel and earthy tones. “Overall, the Milan collections reflected an upbeat mood, with designers focusing on what they do best,” agreed Colleen Sherin, fashion market director at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Gucci Spring 2010
Article and Photo Source: WWD
-Alia Rajput
