Before even starting my trend report, I have to confess that looking at spring and summer fashion for months before I even have a hope of seeing a robin is strange. Frankly, I am not entirely sure how designers keep track of when they are let alone where they are. Think about trying to construct a story about a collection of clothes 9 months before they are going to be seen and then do it again every 6 weeks.
Spring/summer is always hard for me to figure out style-wise. Maybe it’s because I live in New England and we don't get around to having spring-like weather until at least the end of May. Maybe it’s because I really like wooly things and being covered up. You certainly don't need to fear seeming unprofessional when you're covered from head to toe.
Lastly, spring here lasts a grand total of four days, and then it gets hotter than hell. We seem to go straight from ice storms to heat waves, so actually dressing for spring is a very short-term problem and summer is all about taking off as much as possible while still trying to look decent.
What I needed was a "unifying principle" for the season. While I was going through the collections, my husband was having his own Fellini festival and that’s when it all fell into place.
The designers must have all watched "8 1/2" at some point last fall because all of the clothes fall into the personalities that make up Guido's "harem." Guido is played by the always wonderful Marcello Mastrianni. Really, he is a stand-in for the "Diretorre" himself, just better looking. "8 1/2" is a movie about making a movie but complicated by the women, both real and remembered, of Fellini's life. Fellini loves women and is tempted by the beauty in all of them. Unfortunately, he has a short attention span so don't expect everlasting love here. This really is one of the greatest movies of all time, and if you haven't seen it, yet, go find it. For this spring all you need to do to be fashionable is find your personality in that mix of women and you will have your look.
Luisa - The Steadfast Wife: Guido may have his little flings but he always comes back to Luisa. If you are a Luisa-type you are not flashy but project more of a quiet strength. Clothing-wise you are probably something of a minimalist. I'll bet there isn't a lot of color in your closet and the shapes are pretty simple too: straight skirts, pared-down twin sets, flat shoes. Tops are straight cut with simple collars or no collar at all. Fellini doesn't show Luisa in pants but it wouldn't be hard to imagine her in a narrow ankle-length crop. Patron Designer: Raf Simons for Jil Sander
Rosella - The Confidante: Guido doesn't sleep with Rosella but she may be the woman that understands him the best. She is Luisa's best friend but a confidant for Guido. Rosella has the strength of Luisa but without the hesitancy. As such, her look, and yours if you fall into this type, is a little harder than Luisa's. No prim twin sets for you, unless you're going to wear just the cardigan unbuttoned to show some cleavage under a black leather jacket. Trousers have some movement. Rosella is not afraid to show off her figure but not in an obvious way. There is minimalism but with a bit more fire this time. Patron Designer: Michael Kors
Carla - The Ever-Loving Mistress: Carla is all wriggling behind and cupid-bow lips. No woman is all Carla but we all need a little of her for sex appeal. So what would Carla wear from the spring collections? She would choose pencil skirts - fitted, seamed, a little ruffle or pleats at the back. Blouses are seamed to emphasize the bust and show off the cleavage. Suits are skirted and the jacket has puffed sleeves or peaked shoulders. Dresses (Carla loves dresses) are over the top, with ruffles and portrait necklines. None of this is innocent though. This chick knows how to swing her hips and use men to full advantage. Patron Designer: John Galliano and Miu Miu
Claudia - The Perfect Image of Femininity: Claudia Cardinale portrays herself here. In Guido's fantasies she is the perfect woman: smart, sexual yet innocent, a confidante but never asking for much in return. What does this saint of a woman wear? In Guido's fantasy, shirt dresses, usually pale linen. When she shows up as herself in the movie she's draped in diamonds, furs and bias cut silk. If your lifestyle allows you to drip in diamonds and furs, what is your secret? For the real world, try Guido's fantasy: shirt dresses. Tons of different designers, as well as all the pattern companies, have them. If you, like me, have a "mystery waist,” try a princess-seam version. Patron Designer: Versace for the movie star/ vintage for Guido’s fantasy version
Saraghina - The Wild Card: Saraghina was Guido's first "love." She is the earth mother and less of a fashion type. That is not to say that designers didn't dress her. Just take a look.
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