It was Alexander McQueen's spring runway- turned strutting obituary that told the story of the life and legacy of international style icon Isabella Blow. Model after model crowned with Isabella Blow-inspired headpieces, designed by Philip Treacy, walked in Alexander McQueen's 2008 spring/summer runway, letting the world know the high temperatures this summer have taken the attention off the clothes and onto the power of accessories.
From the cranium to freshly pedicured toes, what once was the afterthought of an outfit will take the main stage this summer.
Jewelry
The lunacy of the Spring 2008 Marc Jacobs show captured the essence of how the subtleties of an outfit can take it further than if the clothes stood by themselves.
Jacobs took what, from afar, seemed like an ordinary pastel spring blazer and placed a maniacal touch with the unobtrusive application of glistening brooches in the shapes of rodents, like those found in the subways of Jacob's native New York. The character of a vintage brooch is unmatchable.
Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent may have taken the prize for his success in making jewelry as obnoxious as possible without looking cheap. His series of translucent, coal and multicolored, layered Plexiglas stars in brass draped around the neck shows the infinite possibilities to be had with necklaces. Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel seconded the notion made at YSL but rejected the restraints of geometry and opted for a genius cacophony of jewels, blending the classic double "C" and a series of pearls for yards and yards of fabulousness without a calculated pattern. With Karl's collection, the whimsy of organic design is embraced.
Accessorize with the weather
Tracy Reese is queen when it comes to adding just enough whimsy to make a great piece and round off an outfit. This summer, Reese is playing with umbrellas. Apply prints and floral patterns to make this rain-or-shine keepsake an intricate part of your ensemble.
Footwear
This season, it seemed as if all the footwear was strategically designed for battle. John Galliano, for Christian Dior Couture Spring 2008, accompanied his extraordinary satin couture gowns with almost firmament-touching doughnut-hole platforms for a longer and stronger silhouette.
Miuccia Prada, for her more accessible line Miu Miu, opted for trippy gold embellished heels on Mary Jane pumps. The design on the heels resembled the cross-guard of a medieval sword. This razor-sharp shoe, paired with her endlessly rising tutu mini dresses, showed the leg-lengthening potential of a fantastic and interesting shoe.
Nicolas Ghesquiere, creative director of Balenciaga, relentlessly marches to his own drum. When everyone focuses on free-falling drapery, he chooses to dart and tailor vehemently as if going with the grain is a bad thing.
This season, he raised the standard of the gladiator sandal, which is a summer-must, by placing a beautifully designed mosaic heel at the bottom. His amphitheater-ready sandals in blacks, reds and yellows, paired with his armored florals with intricate cross-stitching are for women who are fabulously prepared for anything.
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