Fall 2008 - Suffocation Chic

Subscribers - please click through for best viewing!

So many of fall's runway looks left me gasping for air! Not only because they're downright hilarious, but also because the poor models look like they're being strangled by the very beautiful clothes that we're all meant to buy. I hesitate to call this a trend because I'm not sure how successfully this will be interpreted in fashion reality, but this styling effect was present enough for me to take note!

It seems that the volume play on the upper half is not only limited to the shoulders; it doesn't seem to matter what the focus is, as long as its piled high with layers of fabric, furs, knits, and even ruffles of delicate chiffon. Some of these looks I found incredibly chic and beautiful - especially Giambattista Valli and Pollini. However, I know that I could never wear something that made me look like I had a luxury boa constrictor around my throat, or a gigantic layered woobie swaddling me. What's sexy about that? Okay, yes, the whole "peel back the layers" idea is a bit titillating, but c'mon - it's not like I'm a muppet.

Remember: "You're never fully dressed without a smile..." and these ladies don't look happy! Get ready to be strangled, choked and smothered!

All images from Style.com

Ann Demeulemeester Haider Ackerman Luisa Beccaria Pollini AF Vandevorst Giambattista Valli Iceberg Francisco Scognamiglio  Maison Martin Margiela  Costume National  Jean Paul Gaultier  Marios Schwab