Greeting All,

Another round of fashion shows has gone and I am excited to tell you about the trends and the soirées. With so much to tell, where should I to begin?

Both Emanuel Ungaro and Francesco Smalto began new chapters with the presentation of their collections signed by their respective new artistic director. At Smalto, Youn Chong Bak made a strong debut with a collection defined primarily by her work on the men’s vest. While at Ungaro, Franck Boclet signed a superb collection that had us all on our feet. I was afraid that death would not be long to come for me when I saw his sickening knee-high boots with subtle heels. Those boots are the absolute, undisputed must-have footwear for next season!!!

The season also saw Cerruti make its return to the French runways. Several years ago, the fashion house fell into great difficulties during its last days in Paris. Picketing workers showing up at a fashion shows (rue Richlieu to be exact), the house being sold 2 or 3 times and the departure of many long-time staff members are just some of the challenges it faced. However, with a strong collection and Nicolas Andreas Taralis its new artistic director, Cerruti seems to be taking serious steps in regaining its former glory.

Also very much in the thick of things is Paul & Joe, designed by Sophie Albou. The house opted for generous soirée where only the top press members were invited to attend. A dreamlike décor, savage rivers of champagne, delicate canapés and sizzling music all on the backdrop of a fabulous Paul & Joe collection for Spring/Summer 2008, what else could you ask for?

The biggest trends for the season are skinny pants and shorts, which were presented by an unbelievable amount of designers this season. Cerruti, Raf Simons, Paul & Joe, David Kurtis, Francois Hadaya, U-N-I-T-Y, Attachment, Damir Doma, and Jeroen Van Tuyl are just a few to push forward this particular style agenda.

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