TREND I-SPY

Rihanna in Italian Vogue September 2009 It's feeling to me like a Joan of Arc moment! So many of the Fall 09 and now Pre-Fall 10 looks had an element of protectiveness about them, classic pieces reworked in leather, over-the-knee or thigh-high boots, massive shoulders ... Then there was that great spread in Italian Vogue this September featuring Rihanna in metal armor-like shin plates. Lanvin Fall 07 The Joan of Arc/Warrior Woman look all began in Fall 07 with a seminal runway show from Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. It saw the return of jackets with built-up shoulders and puffed sleeves over slim leggings or pants, metallic dresses and metal grommet trims. Lanvin Fall 07 I think the shaggy cropped bob still looks cool and ultra-modern. Acne, S2010 Finally, from Swedish denim brand Acne, designer Jonny Johansson sent jeans to the British jeweler Husam El Odeh, who came back with flexible silver nickel plates to bolt on as knee armor and back-pocket patches.

Burberry Pre-Fall 2010 Burberry's Christopher Bailey marches to the beat of his own drum, confident in his ability to execute a modern collection without losing sight of the brand's heritage. It is also to his advantage that the military trend has marched right on through this decade allowing him to re-work several of the label's traditional design details. For Pre-Fall there's a play on epaulets that emphasize broad shoulders and a belted jacket or coat over skinny pants or, yes, you've guessed it, leggings! Military to be sure, but more "officer on parade" than undercover camouflage.

Versace Pre-Fall 2010 To paraphrase Heidi K, in fashion, one day it's Spring and the next day it's already Pre-Fall. Versace's collection showed that trends continuing from this year will include lingerie-inspired dresses and corsets, a fuller-on-top, skinny-on-the-bottom silhouette, peaked shoulders, leggings (again!!) and fun fur gilets. So if you decide to only buy one thing for Pre-Fall next year, make it a really great belt because they go over EVERYTHING.