THE SILHOUETTE

A cinched waist, strong shoulders and a ladylike skirt: the shape of the season pays homage to Forties glamour, with a studied elegance that echoes Hollywood's golden age

*** Create a feminine line by cinching your waist with a slim belt
*** For an elegant finish, choose accessories fashioned from exotic feathers and skins
*** Beauty note: classic colours and pale skin set off this sophisticated look

by AQUASCUTUM

by HERMES

by LANVIN

by LOUIS VUITTON


by GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Grey Matters

Jacket £995 Burberry Prorsum

Jacket £1290 & trousers £375 Lanvin.

Jacket £670 Dolce & Gabbana

The newest neutral this season is actually an old favourite with the boys and one that can be worn with almost any other colour of the rainbow. But for Autumn many designers chose to work grey from head right through to toe. Grey doesn't have to be just boring old grey - it can be a plethora of different shades, from charcoal through to palest dove via battleship and marl, with texture and finish an important factor.

At Burberry Prorsum military detailing gives a wool jacket a vintage airforce feel with epaulettes and bellow pockets, while at Lanvin, sharkskin-hued tailoring is kept casual with soft shoulders and sporty styling.

Dolce & Gabbana's neat sports bomber is shiny and futuristic in quilted steely satin. Now are you ready to go grey?

Lanvin pearl and satin twist necklace

Lanvin pearl and satin twist necklace £220

This delicate necklace from Lanvin adds a new twist to the twin-set and pearls look. It comes in silver or black ribbon, but our favourite has to be purple - so on-trend for Autumn. Pair it with a slinky 1940's evening dress and pout, a lá Keira Knightley in 'Atonement'

Sari Sloane of Intermix Likes Chloé, Lanvin, and Stella

From left, Chloé, Lanvin, Stella McCartney.Photos: Imaxtree.com

With the spring 2008 shows under way in Paris, we checked in with Sari Sloane, VP of fashion merchandising at Intermix, to get her picks from the latest crop of looks. What's she buying for spring? Stella's florals and shoes, Chloé's graphic prints, and all of Lanvin.

Stella McCartney
Against the backdrop of a vertical garden designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc, Stella's spring 2008 show opened with a series of bright floral-printed dresses and jumpsuits. The collection was feminine and youthful. Prints were a standout, ranging from florals both bright and muted to paisleys in soft earth tones. The Stella girl has a range of jumpsuits to choose from, the best being a sexy white halter with wide pant leg. The shoes and handbags were the strongest she's done yet, featuring carved wooden clogs and ethnic beading. This collection was her best and a true highlight this season.

Watch a slideshow of the Stella McCartney collection.

Chloé
Chloé's collection was abstract and modern. Fabrics were soft and sheer and often layered to create a contrast between femininity and edge. The color palette was muted save for pops of navy, purple, and coral, and graphic prints gave the illusion of being hand-painted. The high point was the color-blocked dresses. Though not necessarily wearable for every woman, the overall collection looked fresh and creative.

Watch a slideshow of the Chloé collection.

Lanvin
Lanvin was a stunner! Alber Elbaz designed a collection in which each look was stronger than the last. There was a shift toward fluidity in volume, with draping and ultralight fabrics. Dresses were offered in vivid gem tones of marigold, emerald, and ruby as well as with sparkling fabrics, feathers, and high-shine silks. The balance of minimal silhouettes with intricate draping was gorgeous and effortless. Accessories were bold and layered and often mixed a variety of materials.

Watch a slideshow of the Lanvin collection.