FIERCE: TEN COLLECTIONS OF THE SEASON --- A/W 09

now that it has finally passed, i really have little to say about the a/w 2009-10 season. it was less than stellar, and even a [sadly, quite tragic] presentation from mr. azzedine alaia himself—more on that later—couldn't salvage it.

nonetheless, here are my top ten collections of the season, in no particular order......

sonia rykiel — bowler hats and creepers?! i'm all over it. literally ;-)
(i am seriously dying for the velvet pants)





vivienne westwood [gold label]— god save the queen!







phi — tough-chic done right.







yohji yamamoto — now and forever; not to mention the must-have red boots! [a collab with ferragamo!]






jean paul gaultier — i was really taken by the 'dandy-dyke' looks with his phenomenal take on the bondage pant, paired with my alltime fave dr. martens.........SWOON!!! not to mention the gorgeous furs. "x-rated" and "peepshow" was his theme. at a time like this, we sure as hell need some fun and fantasy in our fashion.... and gaultier is a man who knows how to tell a story through clothes.







guy laroche — i honestly don't even know who is designing the label at this point [some houses seem to seriously suffer from revolving-door syndrome when it comes to designers!] but i really love the coats and pretty much all of the leather pieces. the cape is killing me!!






pam hogg — the queen of club-fierce herself makes a triumphant return to the catwalk. lady gaga should seriously be having hot flashes right now.








rick owens — as always, the most to-die-for coats! and the amazing bellbottom-cum-harem-pant hybrids definitely are on my list.







antonio berardi [pre-collection] — simply to die for; too bad i can't say as much about the main runway presentation, which was rather disappointing :-(







jean-pierre braganza — his collection for s/s was good, but i definitely wasn't as impressed as i was this season. he really shines! the fur (duh!) is to die for, as well as the drapey coats which are a must have for me. oh and did i mention his few menswear looks?!?! one in particular seemed to have my name all over it.







and an honorable mention goes to........


christian lacroix — i am usually not a fan of "monsieur la lacroix" [as per edina monsoon on abfab], but this collection was pretty amazing. the lace, coats and lbds were to die for. and of course, some members of the audience walked out before the show even ended and the designer could take his bow. such disrespect!






givenchy — i have always loved tisci, and always will. this collection wasn't exactly one of my alltime favorites that he's ever done, but it was none the less stunning. the 50's style quilted bra top [tom ford gucci anybody?] is a must-have.







nina ricci — olivier's final collection for the house was a tour de force! sexy, furious and tough, with heels 8-inches high! [perhaps a nod to vivienne westwood?] my favorite dress is lingerie-inspired with a bustier top and skirt made from long, sheer, swirling petals that wrap around the hips and cascade to the floor.





max mara — the best shoes of the season!!!!!!! in my humble opinion ;-)






all photos courtesy of my dear friends at catwalking