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

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.

Photos: Style

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.

Photos: Style

Diane von Furstenberg called her show Rock Goddess, but the collection had a distinctively more bohemian feel.  The Spring collection was breezy and consisted mostly of dresses (which I love!). The models wore silk flowers and feathers strung from leather cords in their loose hair, and there were all manner of sixties standbys, from plissé wrap gowns and short tunics to a Saint Laurent safari dress and ribbed knits worn with denim flares.

Loved the beautiful boldly colored fabrics splashed with lush prints or trimmed in crystals and beads.  So pretty!

Normally not a fan of lace, I love this lace bell-sleeved dress (above right).   DVF manages to elude a simple sexiness while embracing  the innocence and modesty of white lace.  One of my favorite pieces!

DVF embraced the  hippie chick Rock Goddess in the abundance of flirty dresses that gives us Aphrodite-like powers over men, so much the better.  We can all use a little more of that.

Photos: Style

The models have hit New York for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Get ready as many of our favorite designers showcase their Spring 2009 collections in NYC beginning today, September 5th, 2008. The shows will run until next Friday, September 12th.

It’s time to embrace the next season of beauty and design.

Great article from The New York Daily News on Fashion’s 50 Most Powerful.

Los Angeles Fashion Week is October 12 - 16, 2008.

Here’s a taste of Spring a là Rachel Roy. And a nice article on her show here.

Photos: Style