the front row runway: Greased Lightning!

There is an uncertainty in the world right now, largely due to the economy. Many individuals are trying to sell their home, cut back financially, and try their best to stay secure in the unsteady employment market.

Designers aren't immune to the current economic state either, so perhaps it was time to take us back to an era of optimism, the 1950's...

Prada

Miuccia Prada combined the essence of femininity and a custom car mechanic into a saccharine collection. There were plisse and pencil skirts that sat at the high waist, under a long, classic Prada dress coat. Prada was also quite literal with this collection, showing printed flames, the ones you would see on an old classic car, on skirts and dresses. The accessories made a clever statement alone, with 3D flames on the heel of a shoe. Even the spray paint "decal" on the handbag was so tongue and cheek. Grease is the word...

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

Jil Sander

It was hard to imagine if Creative Director Raf Simons could top last year's outstanding collection, but indeed he did.

Photo Credit: GoRunway.com

The first 8 looks were developed from the house's iconic white shirt, into dresses and coats, reminiscent of the lab coat/cape look while getting made up in a beauty parlor. Following these looks of purity, were models dressed in bold colors and bright paisley prints, meant to represent the women entering or leaving the salon. The silhouettes were extremely feminine and fitted, which had not been shown by Simons lately.

Hats by Stephen Jones (see me modeling a navy one here) and crystal brooches completed the chic ensembles.