Judging the Judges: Diane von Furstenberg Resort 2009 Collection

Our fairy godmother showed her resort collection in Florence and Fashion Week Daily sums it up:

"Inspired by the concept of a mini suitcase, von Furstenberg presented looks that were packable, luxurious and ideal for travel. Stripes, keys, flags and other international influences form the basis for prints while colorful scarves are reconfigured into flowy frocks. With a polished aesthetic, whimsical sundresses and crisp trenches served as key silhouettes. Retro swimwear was straight from the Riviera with tailored shorts and sweet tea dresses in porcelain blue and pink fit for a day in London. Red, white and blue outfits with checks and plaids were quintessential cruisewear."

It's a little understated in the color story - lots of black and white - but she more than makes up for it with her masterful use of pattern and print. There's also a nice range of shapes and silhouettes here. We can't say we're completely bowled over, but it's a pretty and chic collection that once again demonstrates that Diane knows exactly what she's doing.

[Photos: Style.com]

Judging the Judges: Monique Lhuillier Resort 2009 Collection

Fashion Week Daily gives us the skinny on Monique Lhuillier's Resort collection:

"The glamour girl continues to reign supreme for Monique Lhuillier, whose 34-look resort collection infused a safari feel this season, most evident in the liberal use of raffia on jackets and skirts. "Everything is dry this time," said the designer, alluding to the lack of the saccharine sheen her garments have enjoyed in the past. "It's safari, but not so literal." A spiffy collection it was, with intricately beaded jackets and tops, not to mention wooden button detailing, and a great gazar skirt that had precisely placed wooden studded beads atop ribbon that snaked all around. A Sabrina neckline dress that floated fabric high above the chest was also charming. Most, if not all, out of the outfits emphasized the waist. And for Lhuillier's ever-growing fan base, they'll be happy to know she didn't abandon those trademark lush gowns. This season in addition to a sweeping number with floral abstract print, she included a sportier version: A simple navy and white color block halter."

A very, very pretty collection. Really, there's not a wrong note to be found anywhere. These looks are fresh and feminine. We love that she mixed up the silhouettes so much and if you know anything else about our taste, you know we love that she used prints so effectively. This is another collection that we think a lot of women would want to wear or want to be able to wear. In the parlance, she "knows women."

[Photos: Style.com/Coutorture.com]