Resort 2010: Balenciaga

While not lacking in ideas, there were a few looks that stumped me. Those plaid shirts with ruffs? I don't think so. But more shocking than these bad experiments were the dull looks, a dull khaki coat, a drip of a dress. I liked these five. They saved the collection for me. 

Resort 2010: Prada

I'm always delighted and surprised by the ingenuity of Miuccia Prada. This isn't, like many other collections, a dumbed-down bunch of commercial clothes. Truly, it's inspired and directional, yet feels light and effortless. The Holiday & Brown silks that she has used before, mixed with the 'batik' print feels innocent and fresh. It's 'African' without being predictable or pedantic. It's very No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (the Alexander McCall Smith novel) don't you think? I can't wait to see the Anthony Minghella film of this book.

Resort 2010: 'Nuff Said

Prada Resort 2008

Marc Jacobs Resort 2010

Resort 2010: Celine

Phoebe Philo is back! I like.

In her much anticipated debut at Celine, she delivers, with a refreshing (the colours, used unexpectedly, the re-invention of wardrobe staples), youthful (the un-fussiness, and lack of decoration), yet grown-up (sophisticated and practical) collection that is familiar enough to her work at Chloe, yet respectful enough for what Celine stands for. Attractive, useful, relevant. Ms Philo said: "After my break, and with Celine in various different hands these last years, it felt better for me to work on an idea of a wardrobe than too much on trends. October (Spring 2010) will be for that. This collection is about interchangeable investment pieces. I worked hard to create things that will stand the test of time."