It’s was an epic week that marked the beginning of landmark controversies alongside wonderful palettes and styles that took the ride at Fashion Week Fall 2008. While some designers opted for modernity as in mordern femininity and inclusiveness, others found inspiration in the past – the future – and everything in between and yet others found inspiration in menswear designed elegantly for women. Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that this collection was full of drama which continues to this day.
Medieval Inspiration at Abaeté for Payless: But no one took us on a journey quite like Abaeté for Payless. The line – which was then made available in stores the ensuing fall for under $45 per piece! – had a strong medieval influence, with plenty of hard-meets-soft combinations like pleating, draping & metal studs.
Here were some of the favorite looks from the Abaeté for Payless Fall 2008 collection:
Soft & Sweet:
This pretty pleated dress was made of a delicate tulle fabric and features intricate beading along the bodice. It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion – or even just a night out on the town. When paired with nude heels and simple jewelry it allowed the dress take center stage.
Hard & Edgy:
This is definitely not your average little black dress! The studded detailing adds an edge, while the ruching keeps things feminine. We love how versatile this dress is – it would look great with both heels and flats, and you could even layer it over a tee shirt for a more casual look.
Modern Femininity from BCBG MAX AZRIA
The Fall 2008 collection from BCBG Max Azria was all about modern femininity and effortless style. The collection featured a neutral palette with pops of color, and included both casual and formal looks. The pieces were designed to be mixed and matched, allowing each woman to create her own unique look.
BCBG Max Azria is known for their focus on the modern woman, and this collection was no exception. The clothing was designed to flatter a woman’s body, while still being comfortable and stylish. The use of neutral tones throughout the collection allowed each piece to be versatile and easy to wear.
The standout pieces from the collection include the “Mia” dress, which can be worn as a casual day dress or dressed up for a night out; the “Linda” blazer, which is perfect for work or weekend wear; and the “Natalie” pants, which are both comfortable and chic.
Whether you’re looking for something to wear to work or just want some new everyday staples, BCBG Max Azria’s Fall 2008 collection had you covered. With its mix of casual and formal looks in a neutral palette with pops of color, there was something for everyone.
at Frothy Rodarte, it’s an Interesting Vein of Kabuki meets Japanese Horror Flicks
It was an interesting vein of Kabuki meets Japanese horror flicks that made for a very unique collection. And while some may find the dark undertones a bit too much, there’s no denying that the Rodarte sisters have a very definite point of view when it comes to fashion.
Men’s Final Four Semifinal at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4, 2015 in Indianapolis.
The collection, which trounced down a blood-red runway, had a very eerie quality to it. Nods to classic Japanese horror films came in the form of white face masks with long black fringe hanging down, as well as sleek, all-black ensembles reminiscent of popular characters like the Ring Girl and Sadako.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom at Rodarte. There were also some very pretty, girly pieces interspersed throughout the collection, like a ruffled peach dress with organza ribbon roses around the neckline. And in true Alice in Wonderland fashion, many of the looks were accessorized with large, over-sized bows.
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Sporty Cocktails from Lela Rose
Fashion Week was all about being witnessed – and what better way to make an entrance (and exit) than by strutting your stuff in a fabulous pair of shoes? This season, designer Lela Rose took sporty cocktail to new heights with her collection of stylish yet comfortable footwear.
From the moment the first model stepped out on the runway sporting a pair of black and white sneakers with her frothy pink dress, it was clear that this was not your typical fashion show. Rather than stilettos or even wedges, Rose opted for lower-heeled shoes that were still chic and fashionable but much more wearable. And when paired with dresses in vivid colors and prints – like the ones seen in her collection – they made for a fun and fresh look.
Even better news for those who didn’t have unlimited budgets is that they did’nt have to spend a fortune to get these shoes. Rose had teamed up with Payless ShoeSource for a line of affordable footwear that was made available in stores the following month. So whether you were looking for flats, sandals or pumps, you would’ve found something to suit your style, of course without breaking the bank.
Thakoon Tinges Refinement with a Touch of Punk
The color palette for the collection was mostly black, white, and gray with accents of electric blue and deep red. The fabrics used ranged from delicate chiffons to thick wools. Panichgul also incorporated some interesting textures into the mix, such as feathers and sequins. Embroidered in a new way, using quilting techniques on dresses. The result was a collection that felt very luxurious, but with an underlying feeling of danger.
The first few looks were very elegant and refined with lots of ruffles and tulle skirts. These were followed by some more punk-inspired looks with studded belts and leather jackets. There was also a group of all-black ensembles that had an edgy yet sophisticated feel to them. Overall, the collection had a nice balance between refinement and punk anarchy!
Rag & Bone Feels the 1940s Along a Razor Sharp Blade Runner Edge
The collection was a mix of menswear-inspired and feminine pieces, with a focus on tailoring and a strong use of outerwear. The collection also featured a lot of layering, with pieces like vests worn over shirts and dresses “that more fitted silhouette than we have in the past,” says Marcus Wainwright, one half of the design team behind Rag & Bone.
The color palette was mostly dark, with grays, blacks and navies predominating. However, there were also some pops of color, including a bright red coat and a few green and yellow pieces. 
The overall feel of the collection was very 1940s, with a strong menswear influence. However, the designers also managed to infuse a sense of the future into the collection, making it feel fresh and modern.