Ay, Ombré!

The trend, going on a year old, greets its first birthday with a new grace and maturity.
At right, a Versace Atelier silk organza gown photographed by Craig McDean for W.
Runway looks have evolved from simple dip-dying to chiaroscuro nuance via draping and texture, with bold new shapes and textures abounding for Spring 2009
Akiko Ogawa; this and next courtesy nymag.com. Other runway photos via style.com except where otherwise credited.
Alexander McQueen
Hermés
Aquascutum
Basso & Brooke
Celine
Dries Van Noten
Naeem Kahn; this and next via nymag.com
Byblos
Chanel pre-fall
Burberry, via nymag.com
What to buy? Consider a boldly gradated accessory, like this Coach ombré Sabrina satchel
Or perhaps a statement shoe:
Runway inspiration: Lacroix
Modern Vintage Lillian pump, at shopintuition.com.
Twelfth Street Seema bootie, at pinkmascara.com.
Jimmy Choo Panama strappy sandals, at net-a-porter.com.
McQ cowl neck tunic. Visit shopbop.com
Oscar de la Renta cardi; this and next at net-a-porter.com.
Hervé Léger bandage dress
Reem Acra belted dress, pictured at right via elle.com
Deal of the Day: empire waist dress, $59 at newport-news.com.

Get the gradation, darlings!