Going to Great Lengths

The long hemlines are here. With a bang. They have actually been around for a while, but thanks to Spring 2011 collections, now they are just everywhere.

Obviously, it was rather predictable, taking into consideration the hemline index: a theory that suggests that skirt lengths and the economy coincide. The mini skirts are in vogue in good times. Just think of the 60s, 80s and more recently the early 2000s. The hemlines hit the floor in the 70s with the oil crisis, in the 90s with the global economic recession and, well now.

I rather like the 70s fashion and the hippie look but for me the long skirts really represent the early 90s. The awkward times of my early teens, discovering fashion, but not yet having a real style of my own. Luckily there have been some gems in the catwalks to reassure me that the new length may go a long way. Also, as we know, the best things to pair a long skirt with are flats, sandals and trainers. Hurrah for being able to walk again!  

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

Jil Sander Spring 2011

Michael Kors 2011

For the White Nights of Summer

How beautiful was the Dolce & Gabbana SS 2011 collection at Milan fashion week? Underwear as outerwear has been a trend for a good while but this collection took the concept to a new level. Tonnes of white lace and fabrics that looked like they could have been cut out of grandma's old curtains (in the best possible way) defined the collection  inspired by “sensual kind of elegance and tradition that characterises the typical trousseau of Southern Italy”. And an almost all-white collection is a clear signal of the colour we are going to wear next summer.