TREND I-SPY

There's been a tendency recently in ready-to-wear to both reveal and conceal: cold-shoulders on a long-sleeved high-necked dress for instance. Or think about Angelina Jolie at the recent Oscars wearing a sober black gown with a provocative split-up-to-there slit.  It has also spawned a fascination with net-like fabrics from several of the designers. Some have given it an athletic spin, while others favor something more attuned to the Helmut Newton-esque dominatrix that seemingly lurks inside so many of us. Here are a few examples. It all began a year ago with the Jil Sander hat with a  facial net.  I love it because it manages to be a sporty beanie AND a vintage 1940s lady-like creation all in one.  In this Vogue.com photograph, model Hanne Gaby Odiele successfully negotiates eating an ice cream cone whilst wearing it. Here is the marvelously iconic Anna Dello Russo in a pale blue version of the same hat. From Dolce & Gabbana SS12 For his FW12 Coll

Giambattista Valli                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Thanks to Vogue.com for posting these backstage photographs from The Spring 2012 Couture Shows. Photographed by Kevin Tachman Armani Privé Giambattista Valli Armani Privé Dior Dior Giambattista Valli     Armani Privé Givenchy Givenchy Dior Valentino Valentino Versace

Having shot the Fall 2011 ads for Alexander McQueen on Raquel Zimmermann,  David Sims follows up with the Spring 12 campaign featuring Zuzanna Bijoch. Breathtaking...