District L

Despite its “good-girl-gone-bad” description by Dean and Dan Caten, the Dsquared2 girl seemed to start relatively tame in her pre-fall tweed and buttoned-up shirt dresses. Yes, you can take the girl out of the Dsquared2 SS12 collection – but you most certainly can’t take away the memories (or lack thereof) from last September’s boozy, bottle-strewn runway show in Milan.

The Dsquared2 vixen was sent away to prep school and instructed to clean up her reputation. Acquiring the skills and wardrobe necessary to half-heartedly disguise her devious behavior, she takes cover in cable knits and argyle. Eventually, the conservative façade predictably fades, revealing leather minis and strappy party dresses.

For the Caten twins, it’s another year of sin, repent, repeat. It takes a whole village to screw up raise a child, but just two designing brothers to unearth her secrets.

Post by Amanda LaMela

In October 2006, District L was on a northbound train, heading to Milan to crash Fashion Week. Barely 18-years-old, we maximized the power of the American stereotype to convince security, PR assistants, and perhaps even ourselves that we were entitled access to any show.

With sheer elation, we slid into ShirtPassion by Sonia Fortuna. The lights dimmed and centered, then the resounding music began (which, by the way, was Stars are Blind by Paris Hilton). A collection of upbeat looks in light, patterned fabrics circled the runway – and we felt like we were on top of the world. So much so, that during the year we lived in our old, haunted villa in Florence, we hurtled security in both Milan and Paris, attending shows like Guy Laroche, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, and A/B Soul.

Five years later, we find ourselves in New York as reformed fashion grifters, agreeing that crashing is not only déclassé, but also kind of a sad thing to do as a working “adult.”

Yet on this beautiful day in October 2011, I once again have my bags packed - ready to return to the town where District L began.

Post by Amanda LaMela

This season, Frida titled her collection, "Sophisticated Seduction." Contrasting sky-bright hues with sandy neutrals, Gucci's runway was as sexy as a Friday evening sunset - a clean slate, yet full of possibility.

An updated take on color-blocking allowed for the more elegant interpretation, but the subtle spice hid in the details: Frida tied in braided leather tassels (her evolving runway trademark) onto bags and belts for a fine assertiveness.

Because the Gucci girl knows what "sophisticated seduction" really means:

More results, less words.

Post by Amanda LaMela

Images by 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.