Emilio Pucci’s style is Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds—real diamonds.

Although each one is unique, you can’t mistake a Pucci print. Since the late-1940s, when Italian skier and socialite Marchese Emilio Pucci casually tried his hand at design, the brand has been synonymous with bold, brightly colored graphic patterns with a kaleidoscopic, slightly psychedelic feel. Pucci prints usually appear on clingy, stretchy fabrics, and are widely applied in every category—evening wear, ready-to-wear, swimwear, accessories, shoes and home décor; they have even been featured in the logo of the Apollo 15 space mission and the interior of a Ford Lincoln Continental.

“Prince of Prints” and CFDA-award winner Emilio Pucci designed the line himself until his death in 1992. His daughter, Laudomia Pucci, then took the reigns, before passing them along to a string of young designers including, in 2000, Julio Espada; critics felt Espada over-embellished the cuts, detracting from the joyful signature patterns. In 2003, Christian LaCroix was brought on as Artistic Direcor—a good match considering his mastery of color and affection for sixties and seventies styling. Currently Matthew Williamson is head of inspiration, but his three year contact is soon to expire.  Peter Dundas is set to take Williamson’s place. Laudomia Pucci continues to serve as Image Director.

Photos: Style

Badgley Mischka wow’d New York on December 10, 2008 with their breathtaking Pre-Fall 2009 collection. The dresses were stunning and beautiful -  beaded, paillette, and feather-dusted cocktail dresses and gowns.

A sequined tank dress sashed high on the waist and a ruffled halter gown in the must-have shade of marigold were two highlights.

Isn’t this new cocktail suit (below)  incredible? Designers said that it was made specially at their customers’ requests.

Simply put, James Mischka shared, “we just did pretty clothes that people want to wear.”  And they did just that. It’s not fair that the ENTIRE collection is incredible.

“Oh Santa? I have a few more to add to my Christmas list….”

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Just in time for Christmas, Donatella Versace shares her pre-fall collection with New York on December 15, 2008.  The graphic little coats with contrast piping and tiny cocktail dresses were all Versace.The emerald green is simply stunning!

Everything was strictly above the knee, except for a handful of gowns.

Love the black lace with a slit up to there and a star detailed in peekaboo mesh on the torso.

Source: Style

Graeme Black’s sophisticated Spring 2009 collection graced the London catwalk to a soundtrack of seagulls and breaking waves.  The collection’s inspiration came directly from la mer (think Scottish coast not Malibu sand) - rope coiled on old fishing boats, mercury seas, sculptural rock stacks.

Black seemed to love the silhouette of a blouse over pencil skirt that cropped up a few times. So did doubled gowns, where a sail of fabric floated over a body-hugging column.

A truly beautiful collection -  the essence of modern luxury.

The former Ferragamo designer has an unmistakable level of craftsmanship.  The stiffness in his clothing is apparant, even with a white ruffle on a jacket pocket or cascading around the back of a blouse. He manages to create moveable and soft structure that is still wearable.

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Brit wunderkind Jonathan Saunders wanted a “bit of playfulness, something uplifting in these trying times” for his Spring 2009 line. And he did just that…

He presented not only one of his more accessible collections, but one that was utterly beautiful and ebullient. His favored silhouette was a tailored or fitted top with floaty, multi-layered above-the-knee skirts shaped like bells.

Super-joyful, super-colorful and super-sophisticated!

Love this beautiful color-blocked floor-length dress. Simple and sleek,  they have a natural ease.

Jonathan Saunders will be serving up a very affordable collection for everyone’s favorite mass retailer, Target. The mini line consists of whimsical ombre dresses, body-hugging knits, and slew of funky cool tunics. All styles will be available at Target and online in October.

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41-year-old four time Olympian Dara Torres walked in the show holding daughter Tessa Grace (2).  Dara is six feet tall.  All I can say is “wow!” Look at those arms and legs…

Dara won three silver medals in Beijing.  She was also the first female athlete to appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 1994.

That is one fit Mamma! Great article on Dara at Women’s Heath.

Charles Nolan’s Spring 2009 is a bit boring, but still very wearable for day-to-day Moms.

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