Versace S/S 2010

A taste of life in wonderland at Versace. Italian designer Donatella Versace brought excitement and fantasy to life in Milan this season with an wonderful presentation of her upcoming collection. This time around she was completely inspired by Tim Burton’s fantasy film, “Alice and the Wonderland,” which is set to be released next year in March. The idea of fantasy was definitely brought to life in this collection with the use of vivid colors that also evoked the signature style of the late Gianni Versace’s collection in the 1980’s that also brought back the true spirit and sensation of the label. The look was absolutely pure sex with emphasis on the super long legs of every supermodel that walked down the runway. There was a great number of super short skirts that also were offered in see-through plastic, barely covering the model’s behind, paired with leotard tops that came in vivid pastel colors and prints. Prints of clocks, cards and rabbits were seen on the baroque’s that gave a nod to the Alice and the Wonderland inspiration. The cut outs and chain mail details added a sexual element to the short dresses with digitized prints. Donatella Versace has gone back to the source giving us a youthful, energetic and fun collection.

The show was held at the Versace theater, also known as the historic Teatro Alcione, with a simple runway with a white curtain backdrop. Australian model Abbey Lee opened the event in a digitized vivid yellow printed dress with chain mail details attached at the waist and was paired with a matching yellow print platform high heels. This collection was all about great detailing and handwork with silver that was used in the chain mail embellishing, added touches on baroques, jackets and skinny trousers. The detailing was wonderful and is done the Versace atelier style with astonishing meticulous work. The key pieces were the thigh skimming short skirts that came in clear silver metal, leather and plastic. Prints were also prevalent with delightful images of rabbits, playing cards and clocks. There was also digitalized and geometric prints that gave the piece some edge with the vivid pastel colors.

An admired piece in this collection was an incredible string and pink mirror cocktail dress that was truly head turning. A pink chiffon finale gown that had meticulous detailing, Versace atelier style, was particularly alluring.

Donatella Versace proved to us that in order make a successful collection is to channel the true spirit of Versace and mixed it with a little fantasy of wonderland. The Versace women is youthful, energetic and most importantly she is super sexy. -Brent Billiman, Milan, Italy.



Luca Bruno Photo: Model Yulia Kharlapinova for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karlie Kloss for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Natasha Poly for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Mirte Maas for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Jac for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Imogen Morris Clarke for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Ginta Lapina for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Edita Vilkeviciute for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Sasha Pivovarova for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Weronika for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Kasia Struss for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Karlie Kloss for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Ginta Lapina for Versace S/S 2010


Luca Bruno Photo: Model Abbey Lee for Versace S/S 2010

Prada S/S 2010

A chandelier fantasy in a tropical paradise at Prada. Italian designer Miuccia Prada has took her intellectual initiative to an entirely different level and territory with this collection. She is not the typical designer to give ordinary pieces but instead offers unique pieces that are distinctive. Her intellectual idea is to look at pieces of clothing that she might consider ugly and rework them with her own signature touch to make it delightful. The suggestion in this collection was to infuse the idea of trashy modern women with a twist of high-end luxury. With that in mind there was an edgy touch supplemented to a simple sophisticated pieces that had raw frayed fabric that was unstitched. Sexy pieces of silk stiff shorts that were cut extremely high resembling lingerie panties paired with a short jackets that flared at the hips. This look gave off a suggestive sensual fantasy but maintained a luxurious aspect . A hint of 1960’s influence was also evident that was seen with the precise angular coats that came in a stiff nylon and duchess satin. This collection was all about the innovation with Lucite high heels that had miniature crystal chandeliers attached giving life to a high heel that was only considered only wearable by strippers and prostitutes adding to the idea of trashy meets classy. Miuccia Prada gives great charm to unwanted, mysterious and hideous pieces and turns them into objects of desire.

The event was held at the Prada headquarters show space that was entirely transformed to resemble a lobby of a old posh hotel with a grandness of polished marble floors and a projected image of luxurious chandeliers and a seaside view. The soundtrack was a mix from Frederic Sanchez that incorporated that classy and trashy awareness. Model Lindsey Wixson opened the show in a stiff angular grey satin and nylon coat with black silk shorts paired with Lucite heels with black trimming. Prada has a current obsession with lingerie panties and made a great number of shorts that resembled that look. Frayed seams were visible on a stiff nylon and duchess satin fabric on the Bermuda’s, jackets, capes and shorts.

Admired pieces in the collection were the astonishing Prada prints that were actual images taken from a man made beach in Japan. Prints that resembled a tropical paradise with tourist enjoying a day at the beach. These prints were visible on coats, cocktail pieces, blouses and shorts.

Miuccia Prada is an extremely intellectual designer that takes something that is particularly ugly and turns it into something charmingly attractive. She knows the true science behind the trends and gives us unique pieces that stand alone from ordinary luxury attire. The Prada women is ready to take a luxurious holiday with her chandelier Lucite high heels and the next trendy clear plastic Prada purse this next spring season.
-Brent Billiman, Milan, Italy.


Stan Honda Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Prada S/S 2010



Stan Honda Photo: Model Natasha Poly for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Kendra Spears for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Lisanne De Jong for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Keke Lindgard for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Lindsey Wixson for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Lindsey Wixson for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Mirte Maas for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Nicole Hofman for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Rasa Zukauskaite for Prada S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Anabela Belikova for Prada S/S 2010

Christopher Kane S/S 2010

A gingham moment at Christopher Kane. Scottish designer Christopher Kane was inspired by the sexually repressed American women and the religious cults that poisoned the idea of women and sex. His inspiration began with a simple photo of former American first lady Nancy Reagan on the White House lawn and the movie, “Lolita,” which gave him motivation and brought this collection to life. This gave him the suggestion to utilize American gingham through out the entire collection. Gingham came in various colors of brown, navy and pink that were mixed with tulle, embroidery and crystal embellishments. There was a lot of emphasis on the breast with bra seaming and contouring with no hint of cleavage that was visible. A puff sleeve, tulle paneled inserts over gingham, and thigh split dresses gave a fresh and playful initiative of using gingham. Christopher Kane gave us an attentive conception of using American gingham that might have been repetitive but instead was absolutely complex and stimulating.

The event was held at the Somerset house tents in central London with the soundtrack for the show playing gospel music giving it an sinister feeling. Model Valerija Kelava opened the show in a sleeveless thigh-split brown gingham dress paired with a black tailored vest. Every piece was kept appropriately modest but had a distinctive touch with precise cuts, draping and layering of gingham mixed with lace, tulle, chiffon and embellishments of crystals. Each piece had a accurate tailoring that fit the body perfectly with a high waist and cut outs that gave it a sophisticated sexiness.

The favorite pieces were the pink gingham dresses that had the bra contoured seaming and had a split cut on the thigh. The savile row tailored vest and jacket were also greatly admired.

Christopher Kane has definitely set trends with the use of American gingham with this remarkable collection. He has truly proved to everyone that he is a talented designer and has great complexity. The Christopher Kane women is sophisticated with a nice dose of sexual appeal. -Brent Billiman, London, England.


Stan Honda Photo: Model Katie Fogarty for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Sharon Kavjian for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Anabela Belikova for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Freja Beha Erichsen for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Anna de Rijk for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Frida Gustavsson for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Valerija Kelava for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Jenny Shimizu for Christopher Kane S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Shu Pei Qin for Christopher Kane S/S 2010

Antonio Berardi S/S 2010

Antonio Berardi brings sexy back to London. Italian-British designer Antonio Berardi made his return back home to London and presented a collection that was completely sexy. He definitely knows how to turn up the heat with his signature sexy Italian style. Educated at the local Central Saint Martins and working with legendary British designer John Galliano, he has certainly transformed himself into one of the most important fashion forces in the industry today. He showed his signature style with his short structured body conscious dresses with the built in bra tops that came in black, nude and cream. There was also some immense Japanese influence seen throughout the collection in the Japanese-style folds in some dresses and the kimono style shoulders on the jackets and cocktail pieces. The character for each look was ultra sexy with form fitting dresses that mostly came in nude and cream giving off the impression of nudity. Padding was used on the hips of some dresses giving the illusion of an accentuated hourglass curved hip. Antonio Berardi has brought us his signature style and added a hint of Japanese influence to give us a seductive and pleasant collection.

The event was held at the beautiful historic St. Mark’s church on North Audley Street in Mayfair, the Westminster area of London. The church set the sentiment for the show with guests sitting in the traditional church pews facing towards aisle, that had incredible marble floors. Model Alla Kostromicheva opened the show in a cream colored tailored skirt suit that was paired with a nude crystal embellished boned corset. He showed his great love for short tight dress displaying the Japanese style pieces that had ornate origami folds at the waist and the typical Berardi style body conscious dress with a built in bra top that came in cream, nude and black. A splash of crystal embellishments were seen on the corset tops adding a glitzy sensation.

Adored pieces in this collection were the gorgeously tailored kimono style silk jackets that came in tomato red and blue. Other admired pieces were the Berardi signature style body conscious dresses with the sexy bustier bodice.

Antonio Berardi has displayed a wonderful collection that shows his great skills and talent. There was the signature sexy Italian style with a Parisian touch was greatly admired by everyone. The Antonio Berardi women will always be sexy but this time she had a hint of British glamour and elegance. -Brent Billiman, London, England.


Stan Honda Photo: Model Imogen Morris Clarke for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Alla Kostromicheva for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Daniela Borges for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Kelsey Van Mook for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Malene Knudsen for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Daniela Borges for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Valeria Dmitrienko for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Iris Van Berne for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Imogen Morris Clarke for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Polina Barbosova for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Alla Kostromicheva for Antonio Berardi S/S 2010

Matthew Williamson S/S 2010

A sexy and sophisticated presentation at Matthew Williamson. English designer Matthew Williamson took a turn in a different direction this season with a collection that was tailored and strong. There was no sign of his usual signature bohemian style of free flowing printed dresses and cardigans. Every piece in this collection was pleasantly tailored with slim body conscious pieces and skinny-cut pants. This new change might be due to the fact that Williamson was back home in London presenting his collection rather than his usual show venue in New York City. It was definitely a collection for him to show his home city that he has evolved into a successful designer. This collection was all about a polished silhouette with body conscious dresses and lean fitted trousers. There was also some bright orchid print that were seen in the shirts and dresses. Stunning textures were seen in jackets and dresses with beading, shards of mirror and metallic linens. Matthew Williamson presented a diverse collection that was strong and sophisticated.

The event was held at the Somerset house in central London overlooking the River Thames and was east of the Waterloo Bridge. Model Abbey Lee opened the show in a tailored stone colored jacket paired with a beaded metallic linen dress. The beading infused sophistication in the tailored jackets and dresses. Metallic fabrics were also prevalent in the pants and high-waist shorts. The idea of metallic was the main focus in the collection with short dresses that were trimmed with glass shard mirrors. Each piece had a pleasant tailoring with great attention to details.

The adored pieces in the collection were the bejeweled cocktail dresses that came in a stone color. Another great piece was the beaded tailored jackets and metallic high-waist shorts that would work perfect for next spring.

Matthew Williamson has proved to his home city in London that he is a established designer with this unique and lovely collection. This collection was remarkable with a great shift in a new direction. The Matthew Williamson women is no longer the bohemian and carefree individual but rather a strong and sophisticated women who is now in London. -Brent Billiman, London, England.


Stan Honda Photo: Model Bette Franke for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Daria Strokous for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Laura Blokhina for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Abbey Lee for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Ali Michael for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Anabela Belikova for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Kamila Filipcikova for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010


Stan Honda Photo: Model Alla Kostromicheva for Matthew Williamson S/S 2010