Monique Lhullier & Vera Wang Fall 2011 Runway

Monique Lhullier
For Fall 2011, Monique Lhullier was true to her roots as a darling of the Hollywood set, turning out a glamorous collection of feminine and body conscious gowns that can transition from the runway to the red carpet. She stayed with a concise palette of black and beige with an occasional punch of red and the whimsical touch of ostrich detailing. Though it was heavily inspired by Old Hollywood glamour, she used modern silhouettes and detailing with fitted bodices paired with flowing chiffon, necklines embellished with crystals, belted ostrich feather vests over skinny pants, and sexy black lace lingerie inspired overlays. A sure bet to see her masterpieces this week on the red carpet at the Oscars.

Vera Wang
Every season Vera Wang reinvents her collection based on her inspiration, and for Fall 2011, it seemed to be contrasts of strong and fragile, much like the American heroines of the 1930s that inspired British aristocracy who had “grace, romance, and effortless style.” Keeping to the military theme, she chose a neutral palette was in shades of putty, cement and khaki with romantic pleated drop waisted dresses with uneven hemlines and racerbacks in silk chiffon and organza paired with heavy unstructured military inspired parkas with fur collars. With the contrast, the vintage inspired collection seemed very fresh, modern and sophisticated.