District L

"I hope with all my heart that these pieces will be produced"- Roberto Cavalli, in response to his recent showing in Milan despite the prime licensor behind Just Cavalli, Ittierre, filing for bankruptcy protection (Style.com)

Despite the recent string of designers selling out, cancelling shows, and other acts of concession to the current economic state- Cavalli didn't disappoint and showed his Fall 2009 collection for Just Cavalli anyway. Whether the looks he showed will actually be produced is anyone's guess- but holy hell do we hope so.

The possibly morose mood at Cavalli right now in the face of current events was conveyed in the more sober palette of this season's collection; while the trademark outlandish prints were worked into the collection with typical finesse, they were more of an accent and less of a base this time around. That, combined with more architectural elements- such as boxier-cut jackets with rigidly constructed shoulders in blacks and greys- made for a more subdued but still very Cavalli showing.

We're proud of you, Roberto!

Photos from Style.com

"I have made this decision in order to protect the Just Cavalli image and its clients."

This is what Roberto Cavalli, the only designer who could send a laminated, bedazzled leopard print gown down the catwalk and have everyone gushing, had to say regarding the cancellation of his Milan showing following the licensee behind Just Cavalli, Ittierre, filing for bankruptcy protection.

This is just the latest in a series of economy-related casualties that have been rearing their ugly heads since New York Fashion Week where designers were cancelling shows and ducking out of the tents in favor of cheaper private venues right and left.

What will the rising fashionistas of the world do without Cavalli's much loved bridge line?

On a lighter note, Donatella Versace is prepping to relaunch the Versace bridge line, Versus, which was unceremoniously put on ice 4 years ago. A rather bold move, as Versace is notorious for not doing mass markdowns- clearly, they now need a new source of ancillary income like everyone else.

Just pray to Karl, people. He'll get us through this.