Editor's letter: March 2010

The characters on the spring runways ranged from post-apocalyptic to warrior women and bra-baring femme fatales.

By Bernadette Morra

Photography by Vanessa Heins; Hair and makeup by Sheri Stroh for Plutino Group/Tresemmé Hair Care

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I have always envied actresses, not for their fame but for the breadth of experiences their profession allows. An actress is required to “try on” a variety of personalities over the course of her career: She might step into the shoes of a surgeon, lead a rock band, teach gorillas to sign, or marry a prince.

Of course, role-playing isn’t limited to stage and screen; we all do it on some level every day. But Spring 2010 offers more opportunities than ever. The “characters” on the runways ranged from post-apocalyptic sea creatures at Alexander McQueen to warrior women with bullet-hole-ridden T-shirts at Balmain.

There were literal references to performance as well. John Galliano cited Lauren Bacall as inspiration for his bra-baring femmes fatales at Christian Dior. And Marc Jacobs’ models wore kabuki makeup with their frilly, pearl-trimmed frocks.

What’s the common thread? There’s an undercurrent of fantasy running through fashion right now, best summed up by Miuccia Prada, who put chandelier crystals and touristy beach prints side by side. We’re pretty sure Nicolas Ghesquière doesn’t really expect his moulded-leather hoodies and motocross pants to be dusting up the trails. Nor are Gucci’s scuba dresses likely to ever leave dry land, unless it’s on a yacht from the port at Cannes.

Unlocking the imagination means you can be one girl in the morning and another at night. Command the boardroom in a tailored shorts suit, then dine out demurely in blush chiffon.

You can also tone it down or ramp it up as much as you see fit. This is real life—your life. So enjoy, and let me know how it goes.
Write to me at letters@fashionmagazine.com.

First published in FASHION Magazine March 2010

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