Sculpted Samurai Geometry

In what was definitely Milan’s most anticipated show this week the duo concentrated their skills on two key facets of Ferre’s oeuvre - his famed architectural volumes and the late designer’s unique sense of grand, ruffled style.

Curiously, the Ferre it most recalled to mind was Gianfranco’s fertile, and grandest period, as couturier of Christian Dior, back in the early Nineties. But the use of exceptional fabrics, sense of haute gamme novelty and experimental cutting were all very much in synch with Gianfanco’s DNA.

From the first look, a technical silk shirt and white organza shirt, both of them mega ruffled, it was clear that Aquilano and Rimondi had delved deep into the house’s huge archives.

Their opening looks were too weighed down with Plexiglas accoutrements, but the show suddenly hit its stride with sculpted dresses, kicked up with huge flayed pockets, and lovingly embroidered with tough “samurai” trim. (more…)

2008 Emmy red carpet

Few risks and a lot of return on Emmy red carpet. Still the payoffs were big for some stars. Christina Applegate, Mariska Hargitay, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Sandra Oh were among the confident women who best combined elegance with some personality. What else ruled the red carpet?

Gowns in shades of purple; dresses with one shoulder or none; and sweeping updos that helped stars beat the Los Angeles heat.

There also were black dresses, white dresses, black-and-white dresses and a lot of shine. “Grey’s Anatomy” star Oh was one of the big fashion winners, redeeming herself for time previously served on a few worst-dressed lists.

Lisa Rinna, TV Guide Network’s style commentator, picked Oh as the most improved star. She came in a retro-style black lace dress by Oscar de la Renta with a ribbon sash and a few sparkles on the skirt.

They matched her gleaming 5.5-carat (each!) emerald-cut diamond earrings by Bulgari. Applegate, star of ABC’s “Samantha Who?” (more…)

Dundas will start on October 1

Dundas will start on October 1 and replaces Matthew Williamson who is leaving after three years at the brand.

Dundas was artistic director at Emanuel Ungaro until 2007 and before that was chief designer at Roberto Cavalli from 2002 to 2005. He also worked as a designer with Christian Lacroix.

Emilio Pucci is known for its colorful, abstract and psychedelic designs on silk, favored by stars such as actress Nicole Kidman and singer Kylie Minogue. T

he house was founded by Marquis Emilio Pucci and took off during the 1950s on the back of a streamlined ski outfit he designed which featured in Harper’s Bazaar. (more…)