I had to chuckle when I read a review of the Prada fall/winter 2004 collection in WWD. As they noted, in their positive assessment, “Prada long ago claimed ownership of vintage- lady chic. A mood that might seem easy enough to knock off. But a fur shrug and pencil skirt are no substitute for depth of thought impeccably realized”.
Well, based on all the fur shrugs and pencil skirts (not to mention long fitted gloves, bracelet length sleeves on coats, mixes of tweeds and florals, etc. etc. etc.), it seems that many designers wouldn’t mind a piece of whatever it is Miuccia has. I guess the old adage is true, “Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery”.
And speaking of Milan, it is obvious that Tom Ford will be sorely missed by the fashion cognoscentii. His well received farewell collection for the house of Gucci was filled with, as he put it, items that have become his signature s- the things that he loves passionately – which go to the heart of why he became a designer in the first place. After all the somewhat dowdy, conservative, and retro clothes being offered elsewhere, his brazenly sexual dresses, form fitting jackets, Oscar worthy gowns accentuated with smolderingly dark eye make-up (which has the in your face effect of having spent a night of steamy sex) were a welcome change of pace.
I am not exactly worried about Mr. Ford’s future. I have a feeling that whatever he decides to do, he will do it well.
