Matthew Williamson Fall 09 began like an ikat rainbow - the knitting was executed seamlessly - transitioning from lipstick red to cream to turq. Williamson is couture hippie - the adorable elbow sleeve, ballet neck dresses are perfect for any shape - easily wearable, on trend, but inconspicuous. I could die for the furs - they were stunning, bi-color pieces you would expect from Basso or another furrier. Williamson basically paired every pattern and texture under the sun - with silk paisleys, chunky knits, leathers, and even fairisles (usually confined to the RL runways) that gave his boho chic a refined yet still uncontrived beauty. Another favorite use of prints and patterns in the collection were the rick rack, zig zags and Morocco seen through a kaleidoscope layers upon layers of chiffon in the finale pieces. If I could maneuver any backstage pass, it would be Matthew Williamson’s so I could steal every last piece from this collection.

Rodarte fall 09 was the usual mix of S&M and futurisma that it usually is. So, not the most wearble - but definitely editorial, meaning we’ll see this over and over again. The materials looked like paper mache with complimentary, dominating buckles, chunky knits with many a loose thread that looked almost Mongolian - and common elements of past shows like the spiderweb-esque translucent arms, necklines, and sweeatheart bodices. Overlapping textures kept it fresh, even if the color story was highly monochromatic - and the silhouette theme left quite a bit to be desired as well, with absolutely no separate bottoms! The whole time I was thinking - where is the pant, where are the separates, how is this a complete collection? Apparently Rodarte can get away with that because you’re not wearing this to a charity benefit let alone the grocery store - so it really comes down to those shoes. Who could ignore the way more than thigh high boots that were, dare I say a little Trash & Vaudeville?

So - Top Shop’s Spring 2009 look book is finally complete, with Witchcraft finally being live online. How funny that the pair of leggings they feature on the witchcraft model are not on the site!? See post “Twinsies - Rodarte Leggings at Top Shop“. WTF. Anyway - we all may have to go the Rock of Love website route until we get to those precious Rodarte knockoff’s that are bound to hit somewhere, some place, soon!

www.FunnyLegs.com / $11.75

I get about 5 Google search hits a day via people searching for info about the Rodarte cut-out leggings shown for Spring 09 - so I have been hunting the web for a way to feed the need. Unfortunately, this is a quasi teaser post because the leggings featured are a preview to the Spring/Summer 09 Top Shop look book, so they’re not out yet - but they will be soon, and you better bet I will check the site everyday until they’re there. And - according to Google Analytics, for everyone in need I’m sure it will be well worth the wait.

Check out the Top Shop Spring/Summer 09 Look Book, “Witchcraft”

Not sure how many girls out there cite Rock of Love as a must see – but I for sure do, which is where my difficulty understanding these leggings lies.  Perhaps it’s just this show, or maybe it’s just too much costume history/ sociological absorption on all levels – but the instant I saw these Rodarte cut out leggings, I thought - stripper!  I’m not going to hate on strippers, but I’m pretty sure they coined this look and it’s just another one of those from street to designer trends.  Granted – the Rodarte leggings are adorable and I’m not saying I don’t want a pair, but I will absolutely acknowledge that yeah, I do want to look like a stripper – sort of, in this instance.  The main difference in the aesthetic between Rodarte and below Pat Field’s very close West Side Highway representation - is the smaller, uniform, and cohesive diamond shape – as well as zip ankle detailing that channels a different gal.  Regardless of origin, I will scout out something similar to Rodarte, that’s not so Rock of Love - definitely in white or cream, feminine - and with a little S&M to keep it as classy as a pair of cut out leggings can be.

View Rodarte’s Spring 09 complete collection @ Style.com