Fall's newest knits, must-have jackets and knock-out necklaces will be arriving in stores soon. You may be lounging poolside but why not start thinking about the pieces you'll be dying for in a couple of months. For inspiration, check out FLARE's must-have for the season's most influential runway shows in New York, Milan and Paris.
NEW YORK STYLE SPECIAL
Editor-in-chief Lisa Tant reviews the best of New York's fall 2008 collections
Rodarte
Gothic knitwear, slasher dresses, tattered fishnet stockings and fetish shoes came from the Mulleavy sisters' fascination with Kabuki tradition and Japanese horror films. It may sound macabre but the effect was breathtaking in its pure artistry and romance.
Proenza Schouler
Inspired by the paper planes they folded during a road trip in Texas, Jack and Lazaro created a stunning series of jewel tone dresses folded and doubled back to resemble soft ruffles. That construction experiment then turned to inside-out wool coats and some of the season's best super slouchy trousers.
Marc Jacobs
We can always rely upon Marc Jacobs to push our style buttons. After spring's cheeky lingerie focus, fall was the opposite - a calm, almost masculine, collection of relaxed silhouettes highlighting oversized jackets and coats with deep folded backs and hip-slung sashes. Colours were muted, heels were low and puffy headbands gave an 80s vibe.
MILAN STYLE SPECIAL
Senior Market Editor Tammy Palmer reviews the best of Milan's fall 2008 collections
Burberry Prorsum
Christopher Bailey looked to English artist L.S. Lowry for inspiration for his ultra-hip collection- slightly reminiscent of his Chelsea Girl days. This time around, Bailey stepped it up with luxe feather and fringed suede dresses, sculpted coats layered with intricate cut-glass bib necklaces- all topped off with quirky beanies.
Prada
Only Miuccia Prada could spin an entire collection from a fabric she doesn't like. Prada dressed her models in heavy lace with hits of blue chambray and nude underpinnings to evoke a surprisingly erotic mood for fall. Think sexy Italian widow with killer accessories.
Versace
The vampy Versace girl of seasons past has all but disappeared for fall. Donatella surprised us with structured short coats and dresses with lots of volume in the back plus a collection of prints taken from Dutch artist Tim Roeloffs on snappy colorful frocks. I loved her gowns - some of the most breathtaking designs of the season. Watch for them on a red carpet soon!
PARIS STYLE SPECIAL
Fashion Director Elizabeth Cabral reviews the best of Paris' fall 2008 collections
Balenciaga
Hand painted latex samurai jackets and dresses, molded liquid vinyl coats and far from basic LBD's set the tone of protective clothing that somehow still oozed sexiness. Heavily inspired by Asian influences, Nicholas Ghesquière has a way of taking the old (Balenciaga archives) and making it new every single season. Sharp pointed shoes echoed the tough aesthetic.
Lanvin
Chic, wearable and ultra sexy yet with a "don't mess with me" vibe. Alber Elbaz knows how to dress women who want to look like women, not girls. Ribbons woven in to create dresses, and his signature draping and modern colour combinations of black and navy made this collection an editor favourite.
