A: Is for Art Icons!

A icon is a symbol that represents the best of something. As fashion week progresses two iconic women stand out for their complete sense of what we want. They understand our changing moods, They know we want to be comfortable and go from the business place to a night on the town without having to go home and change. In a world thats headed politically and economically mad, we want color! We want freshness! We want a better time and place. Nicole Miller and Diane Von Furstenberg have given us in their collections reminiscence of the past with a breath of fresh air. A collection is good when you want to buy two or more of the outfits. A collection is great when you not only see yourself in it, but every size, shape and age. It transcends the stick figure models into a real world. After so many drab shows Nicole Miller breathed life into what seemed stuck. Nicole Miller and Diane Von Furstenberg have turned their sophisticated styles into young, fresh, chic and comfortable.
Using Carnaval and Voodoo, Nicole's fashion danced to life. Patterns splashed with vibrance. Some of the collection seemed made for Michele Pfiffer in her days of looking like Annie Hall. Baggy pants, men inspired shirts topped with a vest and hats make an adorable comeback. A lace dress, beaded with a print of voodoo dolls. A shirt dress with jersey ties, stripes, sparkly skirts and bold prints leaped to life. This season there is a lot of asymmetrical, constructed pieces and a male ying/yang influence. This show was no exception. The difference is it did it well. I loved the mismatching that though subtle, was powerful and the solid, draped jersey dresses with layered necklines, in basic black or bright magenta were a standout. I can not wait to own one. Boyish jackets with outer seams, a crisp cotton raincoat round off the collection.

Fashion is ageless, and if you don't believe me take a look at Diane von Furstenberg's look book. For her Spring 2009 collection, rock goddess, flower children and gypsies emerged to spread the love. Tunic dresses, peasant blouses and smock tops, whimsical frocks and dazzling beading drew our eyes. Diane understood our need for youth and she changed with the times. The wrap dress was gone (unless you count a bathing suit and a maxi) and the look was "seductive" because it was worn with unabashed freedom. Voluminous airy chiffon, long flowing maxi dresses contrasted against a more tailored construction. In the hair, flowers and feathers added a unique touch. It should be the accessory for season, if buyers are given the chance to purchase them. All in all Diane Von Furstenberg mad us fall in love with her all over again.

I am looking forward to the Anna Sui collection and pray she has followed in these two women's path and offers us more fashion to love and that is a hopeful F.A.C.T.