SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

You’re such a tulle!

Ladylike dressing is BACK, and that includes generous swaths of chiffon and sometimes even crinoline! I’m feelin’ the frippery! The following designers have plunged headlong (and stunningly so) into the pool of prettiness. Note that Designers in bold have accompanying photos, courtesy of New York Magazine's coverage of the Spring 2008 Runways.

Balenciaga: Though the advertising and editorial coverage of this "extreme" floral look (top left) has been rather ubiquitous, it is with good reason. The ruffled shoulder and evening short combination is a fresh take, and so daringly matched with patterned gladiator sandals.

Blugirl: The floral sheath is reinvented, with an interesting halter neckline and flirty wide lavender belt (see photo at left). Makes me want to attend a garden party post haste!

Carolina Herrera: This floor length strapless floral gown (at right) is flawless. Feminine, flattering, and understated yet eye-catching at once.

Christian Lacroix

D&G: Dolce & Gabbana's bridge line is unabashed in its kitchen sink approach to girly glamour for Spring 2008, combining an array of distinct floral prints in layers of delicate chiffon. A subtle drop-waist bodice erupts into a tiered floor-grazing skirt. Little House on the Prairie meets Big Apartment in the City (at left).

Fendi

Giles

Givenchy

Gucci

Lanvin: Strapless ruffled tangerine minidress - a vision! See Runway look at right.

Nina Ricci: In addition to her breathtaking silver strapless ball gown, which got quite a bit of press this season, Nina Ricci also had some other daring, yet feminine pieces, such as this frilly frock in a sophisticated floral print with muted mauve tones.

Philip Lim

Prada

Ralph Lauren: We knew we could count on Ralph for a lovely take on the floral motif. He showed a number of dresses which alluded to Laura Ashley's 80s drapery, but in a good way. See the sophisticated swatch of pale blue chiffon at right, so elegantly accented with tiny black gloves and an oversize Kentucky Derby hat. Genius!

Reem Acra: The designer known for bridal couture shows versatility with this incredibly multi-patterned sleeveless chiffon top and fishtail hem skirt (at left).

Roberto Cavalli

Thakoon: A delicious billowing ivory dress with wispy short sleeves and a full knee/tea length skirt crowned the runway. Perfect for a daytime bride.

Valentino: Always expert in ladylike glamour, Valentino showed a cross-section of evening looks (like this billowy strapless double-waist [empire AND drop] dress in sky blue and black lace) and daytime darlings, such as this lavender-belted yellow coat (at left).

All in all, the Spring Collections were anything but ordinary. I believe we are all ready to don our petticoats and polish our silver. To the tea party!