I have always thought that Chanel is the epotimy of femininity and they definitely stick to their guns. This can be seen in pieces from the spring collection for 2012. It is girly yet elegant. I think it is many women's dream to stroll down the streets of Paris decked out in Chanel in a state of romantic bliss.
When I saw these sweaters, above and below, from the coming spring collection for 2012 I was intrigued. I like when designers take a new approach to men's wear instead of running in the same tracks all the time. I instantly thought of Star Trek but that was probably because of the Spock like hairdo on the model below. I want the sweater above. Already now I'm planning my shopping months ahead of time.
Thierry Mugler has been with us in the world of fashion for quite some time. Born in Strasbourg, France in 1948 and he early developed a passion for drawing. At the age of 24 he moved to Paris and started to design clothes. In 1973 he launched his first own collection and in 1978 a collection for men was brought to the world. In the 1980s Thierry Mugler reached international acclaim and carved himself a niche with his clothes that have futuristic elements and draw inspiration from science fiction.
The two above pictures are from his spring collection for 2012. Decidedly futuristic and beautifully crafted and tailored. Mugler always deliever a memorable show when he showcases his creations and that we love. 
When it comes to the men's collection for 2012 I will perhaps not shower him with the same roses. Fantastic show but clothes that can a bit hard to wear even if you are on the brave side. I like the ensemble above to the right and mostly because of the hat with the feather. For some reason I like a touch of ethnic influence in clothes.
Otherwise I feel that the clothes are bit too colourful, even too colourful for me. I don't mind colour but I don't want to look like a cartoon character. 
I have looked over some pieces from Armani's spring collection for 2012 and I find myself a bit dumbstruck. Doesn't happen very often, so take the time to enjoy it. To start with, the ensemble above, the top I find acceptable but baggy trousers a la 1930s and also short ones goes out the window as far as I'm concerned. If I'm to wear such trousers I need to get paid, and I won't do it cheaply.
I might not be the intended target group for the Armani label. I definitely don't have the economy for it but these things hurt my eyes. In the past I have always held Armani as the epitomy of elegance and classic simplicity but I suppose I have to dethrone him. The style where it seems like "Miami Vice" got tangled up with "V" and crashlanded in a paint shop is not working for me. It could be as simple as that I'm not loaded and I'm not twenty, and that I've lived through the 1980s and don't want to do it again.
The picture below is from the fall collection that is out now and if you want those sweaters you need to move into the gym and have the genetical ability to put on muscle mass quickly. I suppose the clothes are fine if you want to look like a Marvel Comic Superhero on a bad day.
Belgian designer, Anthony Vaccarello, who is based in Paris has shown a very sexy collection for spring 2012. Eyecatching and let's say mindblowing. Easily worn? Not a chance in hell. If you want to wear the dress above (if we now can call it a dress?) you have to be at the gym at least five times a week, go on a low carb diet and have the mother of all metabolisms. The garment is sexy and the model looks stunning but with this one Anthony Vaccarello has a very limited clientel, but that could be what he is aiming for. 
English designer, Christopher Kane's current collection is a delight. It is whimsical and eyecatching with references to handicraft, the 1920s and futurism. That seems to be the trend in a business where trends are made, that designers use a myriad of influences when creating clothes. The result can in some cases be quite muddled but I think that Christopher Kane has landed on the right side of the thin line between success and failure.
Women of the world have lots to delight over next spring. At least if we take a look at what Ralph Lauren has presented to the market. Undertstaded, classic pieces with clear references to the 1920s. There are actually few things that are as sexy as a woman in a well tailored suit. Ralph Lauren has done good. We like! Very Much!
A few weeks ago my former student, Josefin Strid, showed her latest collection at Stockholm Fashion Week. Decidely colourful and she has a style of her own. I don't think that society has progressed that much when it comes to what is considered okay for a man to wear so the men who wear her clothes have a good portion of courage.
Caroline af Ugglas is a Swedish singer and artist. I didn't think so much of her until last summer when I saw her live and fell for this unique creature. She is a real, live Pippi Longstocking. She has her own quirky style, her own way of doing things and she is who she is. What you see is what you get. I love her philosophy of life of being true to yourself, the equal value of all humans and that we should take care of life because in a sense it is short.
Apart from being a great circus act the clothes and the style are breath taking. It's beautiful, whimsical and magical. I feel so inspired when I see the pictures and I think all of us would benefit from wearing clothes like this from time to time and let imagination rule.
Keep an eye on Alfhild Küpler, BA graduate from Central St Martins this year. If the graduate show is any indication we have good things to come. Since I'm a sucker for blue I was sold from the get go.
My attention was caught by this ensemble from Givenchy when I read ID Magazine. I like the skirt but then I have always liked strong prints. The top on the other hand I would like to throw in the nearest cinder. The 80s is back with a vengenance but having your bra on display like Madonna in her heyday is not really a viable option, at least not if it is style you are aiming for. If it is massive attention you want then go full throttle. I imagine the model in knee high, black boots with a considerable heel, a black and snug tailored jacket topped off with a black man's hat. Voila, we have a power woman.
Here are two pieces from Tiger of Sweden that can be found in shops at the moment. I like the colour and the pattern. They are made of 100 % wool and show proof of good tailoring. If you are going splash out about £300 on jacket it needs to be nicely tailored. If you want to add the pants that will be an extra £150. Personally I think that both jacket and trousers in this particular pattern will be a bit too much. I suppose it depends on the occasion you are going to wear it but if you are not impersonating the chair man of a British book club you can give this a miss. I would suggest you buy the jacket and mix it with a pair of chinos, either red or of a clear blue colour. No matter if you go with red or blue chinos combine with a light, light blue shirt, preferably from Eton Shirts, and finish the whole thing of with dark blue loafers.
