Pretty safe.

While I was busy eating hummus in the holy land, the Spring '09 fashion jet took off. I've been catching up on the shows for the last few days while trying to avoid unpacking (as I find that's the quickest way to lose my vacation buzz) and I must admit I might have preferred sorting my dusty desert laundry.

I started with the Women's Couture shows, and honestly I'm not so thrilled. There are a lot of pretty things, but nothing is jumping out at me. As always, there are beautifully constructed garments: amazing draping, tailoring, seaming. I'm just not finding any collection that inspiring or strong. I really loved the last batch of ready-to-wear collections, with their fresh patchwork-pastiche aesthetic so I'm disappointed to be goosebumpless after perusing the couture shows which usually thrill me to no end.

I can't help but think things are looking a bit safe. Even Galliano pulled in the reigns a bit, presenting some very classically Christian Dior get-ups.



Again, pretty and incredibly well constructed but not so exciting. Can we blame the economy? I say so. Even the world of $30,000 dresses gets timid in the face of a downturn.

The season isn't a total loss though. There is nothing like couture to prove that God is in the details. Check out these beautiful tight shots courtesy of Style.com:




Chanel seams, tubes and flowers.


Lacroix's red ruffles and clothing collage.


Hot orange peek-a-boo at Gaultier.

More coverage to come, including the old people trend and the Weird Wears Awards! Yee haw.