T H E A T R I C A L and then some!

While in school, in the early 80's, Galliano became a dresser for the National Theatre. He received some recognition and was given a window at Browns. In the 90's he worked for Givenchy and then onto The house of Dior. It wasn't all that easy...this is just a three sentence bio. He met with alot of resistance and struggles.

Always theatrically inspired, his designs make for exciting runway!! Fall 2009 is quite Mongolian in theme with a Russian influence. If I remember my history correctly Mongolia was a battlefield in the 20's when White Russians fled from Russia to Mongolia. Mongolia struggled for independence. Succeeded finally.

Hate the handbags....LOVE the SHOES

Louis Vuitton's Fall 2009 footwear collection is rocking my world! Facades of Asian printed silk, shiny patent and lace overlay play along with bejeweled (studded with big round pearls) sculpted heels and big platforms. The influence for the studded heel could very well be body piercings..specifically the tongue. (eww..ok, I am old)

I have NEVER been a LV fan...not in the least....and I especially abhor the handbags....as in I think they are positively uninspiring and pretty much hideous. And who wants a designers name embossed all over their clothes, shoes and handbags. Wow....doesn't speak too well for ones individuality. BUT....the shoes? These shoes? Swoonworthy in my eyes!!

Requiem......yowza!

A silhouette reminiscent of a Flamenco Dancer's, this impressive gown is by Requiem for Fall 2009

Viktor and Rolf....Fall 2009....just a really nice image

Yohji Yamamoto.....Fall 2009....BLACK!

I have never been a great fan of Yohji Yamamoto because just so unstructured and sort of manly.

These too have that mans suit look, but more feminine...more edgy.

I really like these.....and think that they would take on a whole new look accessorized with more shapely stiletto or platform shoes.

Not so crazy about the red shoes.

Yves Saint Laurent.....Fall 2009

The 'double platform' has risen (pun intended) in popularity and is prominent for Fall 2009. I prefer the more feminine, classic style of the patent gold and red shoe over the strappy mottled shoe. But all three are just cool.

Valentino....Fall 2009

Lots of shiny fabrics (satin, velvet) in footwear this coming fall season. Rich jewel tones and classic neutrals. These are perfectly feminine and versatile. Valentino for Fall 2009

Luella.....all business and no nonsense here

I like!!

Giambattista.....jewel-hued boots

Pretty boots by Giambattista (who I just adore). A classic boot redefined in richly colored satin-like fabric. The pair on the left are embossed leather in a deep cognac.

Chanel always manages to keep it all very elegant

Sculptural footwear by Chanel with unusually sculpted and detailed heels. The pale hued sandals on the left have metal rings in the center of heel. Photo may be too small to see this defining detail.

Maybe...if I was like twenty!

Alexander Mcqueen....always theatrical...always unexpected!

I am a queen of platforms...the higher the better, but even I won't attempt the three in second picture. However, absolutely fabulous for the runway. The second group seem much more wearable and I find myself longing for the hip houndstooth boots.

I would, without a doubt...absolutely die to try on the gem/rhinestone embellished boots in the center. Like many of us, playing dress-up's will forever captivate no matter our age.

Elie Saab....Fall 2009..........bringing back old Hollywood

A little edgier (like the peace sign cut out in glittery black gown), but very reminiscent of old Hollywood glamor...back when movie stars at least pretended to have grace and elegance!!

Basso & Brooke....Fall 2009

Stunning fabric and graceful draping...Basso & Brooke. I dig these dresses.

Cesare Paciotti.....oh yeah..again!!!

In 1980 designer Cesare Paciotti took over the mens footwear and leather goods company that his father began and followed his father's high standards of craftsmanship. They soon moved into womens footwear and have even more recently started an additional line called Paciotti4US meant to appeal to a younger crowd.

These finely studded combination bootie/pump/wedge/slingback/sneaker pictured were meant to be included several posts down where you will find crazy beautiful deluxe platform pumps...from the same collection.

Chanel...Fall 2009

Seriously!!!!













































Chanel's Fall 2009 collection rocks with victorian elements.

Textural contrasting...heavy velvets paired with billowy chiffon skirts.....over the top ruffled blouses tucked into tailored jackets.

Again...ode to the female form. Nothing I don't love about this house!!

Giambattista.....knock me over!

Like a bag of peanut m&m's, you just can't eat one! I am bowled over with Giambattista's Fall 2009 collection. I tried to choose just two or three favorites...but I am CRAZY over all of them. Silhouettes flattering on lots of body types, Giambattista went for quiet elegance...classic shaping using luxurious fabrics.... and belted just about everything. There is a hint of late 60's styling here. The peacock bordered dress is similar to a dress my mom wore in the 1960's....same neckline and silhouette.

I just think they are so sexy!!

Carolina Herrera.....

Ok, so they aren't over the top....but this is one of the most consistently elegant and sophisticated Fall 2009 collections I have seen. Sexy necklines, body conscious silhouettes and just enough draping. Fresh and classic...lots of staying power. I am crazy over this new collection...and I have followed Carolina Herrera since my college days.

Velvety Calvin Klein Shoes...Fall 2009

Chartreuse velvet platform shoes with wide buckle....so swoon-worthy!

It is not the new black, but it is gaining popularity. It is a difficult color to wear UNLESS you use it in small doses...like shoes.

Cesare Paciotti....oh yeah!!

I will take them in grey...or the navy. The classic pump taken several steps further...with zippers and taseels and double platforms....oh yeah!

Baldinini.....oh so fine!

Baldinini shoes for Fall 2009. Draped chains, sculptured heels and sexy silhouettes. LOVE!