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.

Karl Lagerfeld Swims Up Stream

Godfrey Deeny Thu Oct 4, 7:19 PM ET

Paris - In a season when designers are dressing women for picnics and stylish jaunts, Karl Lagerfeld has thankfully reminded us that there will also be late night parties next summer.

His black runway was lit by massive primary color neon strips, his girls were sassy in mesh covered hip huggers, or raring to go, in short bowling skirts and hyper-buttoned Eisenhower jackets and racing - Maria Carla vamping as a groupie femme fatale in an off the shoulder web dress over pencil pants.

Karl's spring summer 2008 collection had a Pop Art vernacular; test-tube blue shades, wide white belts and, the season's must-have arm equipment - a Lucite bracelet, and Lagerfeld likes his Star Trek spiky.

The show also featured the return to other designer runners of the Calvin Klein ambassadress, Natalia Vodianova. Freed from her "gilded prison," the Russian emoted in a biker mini and warrior bomber.

And, in a time of strict structure, Karl's loose over tight silhouette looked clever.

His choices, however, were a tad erratic; a layered baby doll look on pouting Lara Stone was naively jejune, as was the less than happy mad maid outfit on Carmen Kass.

But, against the dominant alpine current, it was great to see some brainy sex and mischief, all done with some polish, from quirky cloches down to the side-split, stiff silk cocktails. Call it seduction with sass.