the best of 2010

It was very difficult to compile a list of my favorite moments in fashion for 2010. Fashion is always ahead, so I had the FW10 and SS10 looks to choose from, but I was so in love with so many things from SS11, I couldn't just ignore it. So here are 15 of my absolute favorite moments/shows/looks/trends of FW10, SS10 and SS11

1. Louis Vuitton FW10

Surprised it's not anything by my ultimate designer crush Chris, right? But there was something absolutely magical about this show. For one thing, the women looked like women. I look back on the supermodels of the 80's and they were absolute bombshells- Elle, Christy, Naomi anyone? Today, the industry is dominated by rail thin 20-somethings with sunken eyes who barely look like they've reached puberty. Don't get me wrong, there are some really beautiful models out there, but the trend seems to be 6'2, 100 lbs., alien-like features. Marc celebrated the beauty of women and featured fuller-figured, gorgeous beauties in his fall line. Ok, I'll just say it- the girls had boobs! You never see that in fashion unless it's the Victoria's Secret show. Not only were the girls stunning, but the clothing was perfectly feminine and lady-like. I was in love with the full skirts, bouncy ponytails, structured bags and those phenomenal pointy-bow pumps. Easily my favorite shoes of FW10. This show was just pretty- one thing I think fashion should always be.

2. Burberry Prorsum FW10

Ok, so Chris didn't make the #1 spot, but he obvs is in the top 3. This was probably the strongest outerwear collection I've ever seen. I am always anxiously awaiting how Christopher Bailey will reinvent the iconic trench, and every season he never disappoints or fail to shock me. This season was very military with lots and lots of shearling and fur. Everything looked so warm and delicious and I thought the color palette was so appropriate for fall/winter/fall or winter in London. Had to include a shot of those intense buckle boots. Those things could seriously wound someone.

3. Lanvin SS11

I dedicated an entire post to this collection because it's STUNNING and so, so strong. Alber Elbaz is one of those male designers that always impresses me with how well he understands the female body. His spring collection was the perfect balance of strong and sexy. From the very first look, I was so impressed. This was one of the hardest collections to just pick 2 looks from, so make sure you check out that post, or better yet, the actual show. Whether it was flowy evening or neon bandage minidress, everything was very unexpectedly feminine. I was reminded of modern, almost futuristic architecture when I saw this collection. And weather, for some reason. I am literally obsessed with this collection.

4. Marc Jacobs SS11

This show was so much fun. I loved the bright pops of color and I die for all the giant flowers- whether they were on waists, necklines or hairpieces, I loved how playful and girly they were. I got a definite 70's vibe from this- like I could totally see Jackie from That 70's Show wearing the high waisted pants vacationing in St. Tropez. (I'm embarrassed that my best 70's reference is That 70's Show...) And we're all familiar with my infatuation with obnoxious ribbons/bows/flowers. The red and purple dress is one of my all time-favorite Marc looks. I think the colors together are gorgeous and I've always been a sucker for high halter neckline. Is that how you would describe it? You know what I mean- that look where it's high up on the neck and it's tied together by a bow or something giant. Idk, but it's my favorite neckline.

5. Burberry SS11

Rock. And. Roll. One of the edgiest Burberry collections I've ever seen. How did Chris reinvent the iconic trench this time? Why, in python, neon green, silver and studded shoulders of course! Let's not forget how every single moto jacket was perfect and his use of leather was absolutely genius. Whether they were leggings, dresses, or perfect little moto jackets, Christopher Bailey reminded us just how sexy leather is over and over again. Not to mention, I have never been a fan of studs but after seeing this show a khaki trenchcoat without studded shoulders and elbows seemed boring.

6. Oscar de la Renta SS11

After Chris, Oscar is probably my second favorite designer ever. I could never understand why on The Rachel Zoe Project, Rachel always had a hard time finding red carpet looks for clients when everything Oscar sends down is red carpet worthy. Seriously, if I was a movie star I would only choose his stuff for award ceremonies. His gowns and dresses are the perfect balance of old Hollywood glamour and modern. Glamorous is the perfect adjective to describe his collections, particularly this one. The man is a genius, and even better than Mr. Elbaz when it comes to knowing a woman's body. I loved this entire collection, but the eveningwear were some of the most gorgeous works of art I've ever seen. I think if I ever got the opportunity to wear an Oscar gown, I might cry and pass out shortly after the tears.

7. Dolce and Gabbana FW10

This is more of a moment. At the end of the show, Stefano and Domenico sent down an army of black leotard, blazer and stiletto clad models. The looks were very simple, kind of Fosse meets business, but altogether were such a strong, sexy statement. It was the epitome of cool.

8. Chanel FW10

Actually, I was not a big fan of this collection. If the Abominable Snowman ever felt the urge to indulge in high fashion, this would be the ideal collection. The fur jumpsuits were a little too much for me, but ahem- THERE WAS AN ICEBERG IN THIS SHOW. Yeah. Karl Lagerfeld does what he wants and if Karl wants to recreate March of the Penguins, he does it. Those girls are walking in their CHANEL CALFSKIN BOOTS in ICE WATER. Yeah.

9. Prada FW10

The return of the sexy librarian. Count on Prada to make the unsexy, sexy. Nubby knit tights, chunky oxford heels, beehive hairdos and Lisa Loeb glasses never had sex appeal until Miuccia sent them down the fall runway.

10. Prabal Gurung SS11

Prabal is a fairly new designer. In fact, his first collection was presented at Bryant Park in Fall 2009, but you would think the guy is an old pro. Asian designers seem to be popping up everywhere, and Mr. Gurung is one of my faves ^_^ I call this the tangram collection, because the colors and silhouettes totally reminded me of tangrams and elementary geometry classes. This collection seemed very bright and clean to me, and I adore the neon. Die for the blue and yellow look.

11. Chloe FW10

I loved Phoebe Philo's work with Chloe, so I was skeptical when Hannah MacGibbon took her place, but this collection reassured me that Chloe isn't going anywhere. The signature minimalism of Philo was still present in Chloe's fall line, but had a touch of glamour, with the blown out hair and silky blouses. Chloe is the perfect design house for timeless pieces that every woman needs in her closet, especially all things camel.

12. Oscar de la Renta FW10

I didn't include a look, but I couldn't stop thinking of Anastasia when I saw this collection because of all the little fur berets that just reminded me of Czarist Russia. What I loved about Oscar's fall 2010 line was his use of jewel tones. Everything looked so luxurious and every look exuded elegance and class. I heart Oscar.

13. Dior FW10

I call this the Mad Hatter collection because one of the first looks had a huge hat. Besides the Alice in Wonderland vibe, I got a very strong equestrian feel from this collection. I thought John Galliano's over-the-top personality shown through in his fall line with all the ruffles and over-the-knee boots. The footwear was actually my favorite part. I loved every boot that went down. This show reassured me that over-the-knee leather doesn't always have to look like a stripper.

14. Valentino FW10

Every single look had ruffles. I think that's all that needs to be said.

15. Miu Miu SS10

Year of the naked woman print. Honestly, I am not a fan of this collection, but I feel like the prints are so iconic, I had to include it. A naked woman clothing print has never been acceptable until Miuccia Prada put them on satin and made a platform heel out of it.

Btw, this is my 50th blog entry! Wahoo! Thanks for reading.