From Runway to the Runways: The Jumpsuit

Kara Janx struggling mightily in a Santino Rice jumpsuit from Season 2.

Like the swallows coming back to Capistrano, you can always count on some designer returning to that perennial non-classic, the jumpsuit and throwing a couple down the runway to see if they'll stick. We're currently in a "let's try this one more time" period as there have been several jumpsuits seen in the Spring/Summer collections this year.


Heidi Klum wearing Michael Kors


Valentino, Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, and Versace Spring 2008 RTW Collections


Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Donna Karan, and Prada Spring 2008 RTW Collections


Heatherette, Gianfranco Ferré, Stella McCartney, and Roberto Cavalli Spring 2008 RTW Collections

In the "Pro" column, jumpsuits can be extremely versatile articles of clothing, with a range from "running out to the ATM" to "appearing on the red carpet." In the "Con" column you have decades of bad associations. Kind of like a female leisure suit except no one's currently trying to make the leisure suit happen.

The 2008 models show that versatility for which the jumpsuit is famous, but for the most part, they avoid the dowdiness and even ugliness for which they're somewhat infamous. Even if you hate them all, fear not. If past trendlines hold, they won't be around for very long.

[Photos: WireImage/Style.com - Screencap: Project RunGay]