Judging the Judges: Vera Wang Spring 2008 Collection

Let's rip look at one more, shall we, poodles?

According to Vera, she looked to ancient Rome for inspiration, although we can't say we see it. From the program notes: "Spring-Summer celebrates clothes that are imbued with a lyricism and drama, particularly as it pertains to warm weather dressing. This season also represents a delicate balance between sophistication and naiveté, subtlety and vibrancy, femininity and a certain boyishness. From the colors found in Nature, which the Romans worshiped… to the colors of their civilization (as my imagination would have me believe) ancient Rome represented an energetic, romantic take on life from which to play with cut, color, and construction."

Again, if you say so. It still looks to us like the clothes of a depressed woman who's ashamed of her body. We will say that we like some of these looks, like the red coat and high-waisted pants, and she does seem to be trying to change up some of her silhouettes and colors. Nice to see jewel tones, even if they're in some rather loud metallics. We just wish she'd let go of the drab grays and earth tones for a while and take a break from the shapelessness. And look into prints, Vera. There's nothing to be afraid of.

(Photos: C. Buscemi/WireImage)

Judging the Judges: Catherine Malandrino Spring 2008 Collection

La Malandrino recently showed her Spring 2008 collection and it is (quelle surprise) fabuleuse. Taking her inspiration from the rich colors and sights of St. Paul de Vence in the south of France, she explained "It was inspired by all the organic things and the lightness that you find there in the summer."

The collection is polished, cohesive, feminine, French and très, très chic. We love her use of color, which is exuberant and restrained at the same time. She uses blacks and whites extensively, but when she uses colors, they're deep and rich and sophisticated. There's a slightly retro bohemian 1930s vibe, but the emphasis here is on "slightly." There's nothing costumey about these looks.

Honestly, we rarely see a collection and love every look - and we might have some minor quibbles with a few of the pieces - but this is one of those times where the whole thing is just so gorgeous and so perfectly rendered that we're just awed by the pretty.

Et vous?

(Photos: FirstView)