Trend | Animal Skins

Christopher Kane | Louis Vuitton

Christopher Kane | Burberry Prorsum | Balenciaga

The leopard print is still on the loose but instead of a graphic interpretation try softening the edges with brush strokes. Likewise, opt for tonal palettes for a more sophisticated feel like those at Louis Vuitton or the textured knits at Christopher Kane.

Yayoi Kusama x Louis Vuitton

Yayoi Kusama is not the only one obsessed with dots. With recent shows in Paris and London, New York is next with an upcoming retrospective at the Whitney Museum. To add to the fervor, Louis Vuitton has a collaboration with the Japanese artist whose iconic spots appear across apparel, bags and footwear. Available July 10th, the collection titled, Infinitely Kusama, will leave us all feeling a little dotty.

Spring 11: Asian Florals

Kenzo, United Bamboo, Louis Vuitton (x2), Dries Van Noten

Asian florals were a big presence at the Spring shows. Most notably, Louis Vuitton's glamorous gowns, which were of course styled flawlessly, in that signature Marc Jacobs fashion. Hair and makeup complimented the dark silky garments, creating a mood that conjured a smoke-filled secret society in Shanghai. Dries Van Noten's florals, also on silks, were light and painterly. United Bamboo's trees, blossoms and birds were more folky and felt more playful. Kenzo used archive Japanese prints, which were draped, layered and collaged with both precision and luxurious softness. For next Spring, get ready for peonies, cherry blossoms, chrysamthemums, and birds.

Resort 11: Abstract Florals

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Naem Khan, DKNY, Reem Acra.
background: Pattern People

Abstracted florals show a big presence on the Resort 11 runways. Scale varies, from oversized to small-scale that becomes textural. This type of prints tends to feel modern and sophisticated, feminine without being sweet or girly.

Pre-Fall 10: Louis Vuitton

The story behind Louis Vuitton's Pre-Fall collection is that a girl happens upon some heritage trunks overflowing with sumptuous treasures like a fox-trimmed coat, crochet socks, and perhaps some cozy afghans. A classic wool blanket is turned into a cape, another into a dress. There's plenty of playful Native American references, from the fringy boots to the furs to the Navajo patterns, but the collection remains true to the classic ethos of Vuitton luxury.