The shift dress and Michelle Obama – Autumn Winter 09 Fashion Trend

The classic shift dress was very popular on the catwalks for autumn winter 09/10 collections as designers went for the wearability factor. The silhouette cut of the shift dress achieves a look of slenderness whatever your size.

This classic 1960’s look made popular by style icons such as Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn back in the 60’s and more recently by First lady Michelle Obama who wore this Michael Kors sleeveless black shift dress in her first official portrait as First Lady.


More than the recession factor, no doubt fashion designers would have taken their cue from Michelle Obama who in years to come would be labeled the fashion icon who popularized shift dresses 08/09 as she blazed the campaign trail outfitted in off the rack and designer made shift dresses.



Below is a black sleeveless shift dress by Michael Kors from his Autumn 09 Collection.


This white shift dress from Victoria Beckham's Fall 09 ready to wear collection is chic and elegant.



An embellished shift dress from Thakoon's fall collection 09.

Smart Investments – Autumn Winter 09/10 fashion trends

Among the key trends for fall 09/10 was what http://www.style.com/ labelled as the smart investment trend which bought classic fashion back on the runways. Smart investment fashion refers to fashion not just for today or this season but looks and outfits that could last a life time in your wardrobe without becoming dated. The keyword being timelessness or timeless fashion.

The key to these classical designs is the combination of creative and practical design with varying textures and classic fabrics like silk, pinstripe, tweed and camel. Among the basic pantsuits, dress suits and skirt suits was a huge range of coats like this luxurious cozy camel coat by American black fashion designer Stephen Burrows which can only be described as a must have smart investment piece.




This sleek, chic and modern pink shift dress by Australian born fashion designer Martin Grant is the perfect silhouette, sculptured style for First Lady Michelle Obama.



You can always rely on veteran American fashion designer Ralph Lauren to design lifestyle quality designs with essential wearability. This tweed variation combination outfit aptly reflects inspirations of heritage and English values and could easily have been worn in the eighties.



Narciso Rodriguez whose designs have been famously worn by First lady Michelle Obama produced some bold coloured and practical designs like this green skirt suit. I remember wearing a jacket like this back in the nineties. See what I mean about timelessness and wearability.


All pictures from http://www.style.com/

Milan Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2009

Milan fashion week was over as quick as it began with a stream of shows from some of the big names and labels. The designers seemed to be feeling the economic climate as the designs were almost all very safe bets, the very wearable sort of clothes that they know will sell. For the most part the designs were well cut and luxurious classic pieces in neutral muted tones of grey and black, that oozed Italian style. There were a few exceptions that added a bit of humour and colour to the proceedings. Maxmara was a very luxurious collection with minimalist designs and lots of coats in fabrics like cashmere, alpapaca and camels hair.

At Dolce & Gabbana - lots of black and white and bright pink. The shapes had bit of a forties influence and some quite exaggerated bubble shaped sleeves. The Marilyn Monroe prints and scarves that looked like gloves gave this collection a very light hearted feel in contrast to many of the other collections.

Versace - this show was definitely all about classic clothes and wearability with blacks and slate greys, a bit of understated sparkle and gloss and lots of key pieces like trench coats, skinny fit trousers and sheath dresses.

At Prada - a very sombre looking collection of brown boiled wool jackets and coats. Again more classic and versatile items. I am not sure about the wader style boots. There slight twist to the country theme of this collection were the occasional flashes of red accessories.

pictures from www.style.com

The classic cut coats and jackets will look great with some simple but stylish jewellery like this silver heart necklace and a timeless handbag like this chocolate brown bag.

The Best of New York Fashion Week

Donna Karen wins the prize for stylishly simple and elegant clothes for fall 09. Her collection featured the perfect investment buys for a recession with flattering slim line skirts and tapered trousers, triangular jackets and flatteringly draped jersey.
























Marc Jacobs one of the most popular and sought after designers on the New York fashion circuit continued with a theme that has been around for a few seasons now - eighties. Bright yellows with blacks and greys, big shoulders and big hair made up a collections that was utterly desirable and wearable.

























Rodarte is back for autumn winter 09 with their distinct signature style of romantic/ rock chick with a twist. This show included some beautiful textures, crocheting and knits and a slashed effect as if someone had been let loose in the design room with a pair of very sharp scissors.

Whilst many designers revert to blacks and dark colours for autumn and winter, Matthew Williamson was having none of it. His collection feature a rainbow of colours cleverly worked into just the right styles and shapes to keep a feeling of toasty warmth for the colder weather. I especially liked the combination of turquoise trousers and zebra print boots

pictures from style.com

This Alpaca wool wrap is the perfect stylish and cosy cover up to go with almost any fashion or trend for autumn or winter.