Fashion Fabulous

I wasn't going to bother with a Spring/Summer 2011 fashion post because a lot of people have probably done it (and done it more justice than I will) to death, but I've finally got around to sitting myself down and taking a proper look at this season's new designs and I have to admit that, for the most part, I'm blown away.

First up on my List of Lust is Thakoon Panichgul. I could never wear his clothes - they're just not designed for my body type - but I love his use of cool colours and the cut of the fabric. He's built his business mainly by designing dresses but this season he's brought in little flirty skirts, loose-legged jeans and tailored trousers too. The main focus was, of course, on his dresses - in printed chiffons, with hook-eye fastenings or bondage straps, Thakoon cleverly updated the style that has become his signature.

Here are three of my favourite designs from his New York Fashion Week show:

Usually I'm not a fan of trousers with print of any sort of them, but there's something very delicate about these - maybe it's because they're set off by the sheer top, or maybe I'm just loving florals right now, but either way these are a huge hit for me. I absolutely love the little purple skirt - it's flirty, fun and summery. Perfect for a holiday night out. And his lilac floaty chiffon dress is a winner in my books - although in saying that it would make me look like I'm wearing a posh tent. Fabulous yes, but girls with boobs need not apply.

Another collection that really tickled me was Marios Schwab's - every model strutted their stuff down the runway in a Joan Jett mullet wig. A-MA-ZING. It was bad girl rock chic at its very best. Featuring heavily throughout the collection were lingerie-inspired slip dresses - a nod to the underwear-as-outwear theme so many people are rocking these days. He did it fabulously, bold and body conscious. I love it.

 If he's good enough for Cheryl Cole, he's good enough for me. I loved Jonathan Saunders' collection - the master of print and pattern strikes again. His shapes are simple and clean, and unlike many other designers taking to the catwalk, you can actually picture yourself wearing them. His clothes are pretty, fresh, sporty and  feminine with gorgeous colours perfect for spring and summer. Je t'aime.

 



Next up is the floaty, feminine, easy chic style of Hannah MacGibbon for Chloe. But raise your hands if you think she's a fan of white, camel and...eh...white. She loves her neutrals - something we already know from her collection last season - but here it is again just in case you forgot. Clearly inspired by ballet, her models do look good and the clothes are beautiful - but I'd like to see an injection of colour next time round.

 Alber Elbaz for Lanvin paraded a jaw-dropping collection in Paris. His mix of bold colours, floaty feminine designs and dynamic structures resulted in a simply mouth-watering fusion.He's a modest designer who claims his only wish in this industry is "to make woman feel comfortable and beautiful." And in these designs, who could possibly argue with him?

Now we come to the last - but by no means least - on my list of lust. 'Wacky, fashion eccentric' Tilda Swinton's designer of choice - the fabulously androngynous creations of Jil Sander. I never used to take much notice of this mainly minimalist label but Raf Simons has morphed into grown-up glamour. I love the bright colours, the  floor sweeping skirts which were teamed perfectly with simple cotton t-shirts, and the very 60s cut of some of the tunic dresses. Tabloid newspapers take note - you deem Tilda 'wacky' but she's so far ahead of you in the style stakes, she's a mere dot on your horizon.

In short - I love it - and this isn't even my favourite time of year for clothes. Bring on Autumn/Winter 2011 please!