Paris - RTW SS09

COLLECTION CRITIQUE

The SPRING/SUMMER 2009 READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTIONS were a homage to the 80's and confirms Karma-Style's (K-S) philosophy.

Christian Dior
See-through mini dresses and full length dresses, criss-cross front halter necks in hues of limes, oranges, muted soft greys, sage and fuchsia. Embellishments with studs and sequins, belted waists. No real statement jewellery and no allowances for full figured women - this collection is not for the majority. Model proportioned ladies can only wear these styles.

Chanel
Throwback Chanel with a twist, monochrome suit with fingerless gloves. Statement jewellery in the form of huge collars. Black and white dominated, with the addition of Pinks, peaches and grey. Not sure about the headpieces?! birds nest spring to mind. Strange gypsy foiling in some of the collection which looked really odd. Cool draping jewellery, boleros and mid to full length skirts. A very mature collection.

Yves Saint Laurent
What can we say…in one word Fabulous! Square basketweave shoes and ankle boots so unique and such a trend - will never go out of fashion. These looks can so easily translate on the high street for the young and old. LBDs rocked. Blacks, pale shimmer golds, rich purples and bronzes lit up this collection. Once again, various lengths and shapes, belted and high waists were featured. Gorgeous shiny plum and forest green dresses were the S/O look. The clothes are stylish yet comfortable. Bravo! Stefan Pilati.

Louis Vuitton
This collection is not for the everyday woman on the 'street'. Statement accessories are a massive trend for SS2009. Huge hoops and full on neckpieces. K-S is loving this collection, even though it isn't a realistic look for most women, Marc Jacobs has produced an innovative collection.

Chloé
Colours of muted pastels, lime yellow, red, black and ivory. 3D shoulders and scalloped edging details. KS is not loving this collection, but we are wise enough to know it can transfer well on the high street. It's safety with an edge. We do love the knee-length chocolate deep V puff sleeve dress - a great look.
Newsflash - MC Hammer pants are back!

Alexander McQueen
How does this man do it? His designs are mostly unwearable for the majority. Saying that we believe his designs are true works of art. K-S is proud he is British, his space-age sequin mini dress to the swirl-patterned fabrics in gold, browns and cream and the gunmetal grey dress which looked like hair – gorgeous! Lots of big shoulders, wide belts and high necks. Shades of blue and purple kaleidoscope jacket with matching leggings – Amazing. The jewelled burnt orange catsuit is a K-S fave. Alexander McQueen we salute you!

Mui Mui
No ultra-minis here. This collection of reds, black, and arty fabrics is so wearable for all ages and sizes. Classy elegance yet so high fashion without feeling overdressed. Great lengths very flattering, soft pleating, so feminine. K-S loves the roman print fabric dresses. This old school fabric will never date – so chic.

Jean-Paul Gaultier
Gorgeous autumnal colours, tailored suits in his own inimitable style. One shoulder dresses that flatter the décolleté big time. Shoulder pads played a big part in this collection, layered gold tops were layered over dresses, dresses over trousers all so relaxed and very chic, wide and narrow belts accented the waist.

Stella McCartney
Pastels – peach, grey and flesh tones with a sprinkling of black ruled this collection. Shoulders were also a key feature whether bare or padded. Jewellery was a flashback to the 80's - huge plastic hoops and button earrings. The signature oversize blazers were a let down, their shapelessness make these pieces outdated from the get-go. Not impressed here at K-S, although her black patterned shoulder accent cream mini-dress was a winner.

Paul and Joe
A cool relaxed, floral and fresh collection. Lace, denims, checked and chambray shirts that embody spring. Ripped and customized jeans another flashback to the 80's. Loving the khaki low v jumpsuit and strapless polka dot floaty dress were the stand-out pieces. Bear in mind this collection is for the young, and the young at heart.