Author: Louis Dell'Olio

……………….Another collection that I though had some wonderful things was Balmain….Was it perfect…..far from it, but what was STRONG….was very strong…….He had some of the BEST SWEATERS I have seen all season……I loved his colors, and I’m a sucker for ZEBRA….and large graphic animal black and white prints….which he showed in abundance in the form of sweaters, coats, dresses, evening wear and accessories…bags, boots and shoes…..Yes, there were too many throw backs to the 80s with exaggerated shapes that were often overpowering….which, foe me made made of the pieces dated….IMHO….if he held it back and controlled it a little more they would have been more successful….instead of unwearable……I also hated all of the styles that were ruined, IMHO with the HUGE breast pockets and flaps that appeared on coats and jackets [none shown here]. From experience I KNOW women hate them…They weren’t even flattering on these stick thin models…..I also found many of the boots awkward and cumbersome….Like the wine “Musketeer” boots at the lower left, and these were the best of the bunch. Some were just STIFF STOVE PIPES that went to the knee, and you could see the models were trying to look graceful in them…..BUT FAILED….He does have a way of manipulating leather that is beautiful and unique….My major complaint with this collection was he loves to EXAGGERATE thinking it will make a STRONG STATEMENT……but many times it is just OVERDONE!…..A little restraint would do wonders for many of his pieces!

…………………I have been trying to catch up on the Fall 2025-26 Fashion Shows both in the US and Europe…..I can honestly say I haven’t seen that many, but so far I’m not raving about any of the ones I have seen. There have been elements in a few that are note worthy…..”SCHIAPRAELLI”…..is one on those lines that always has wonderful things….certainly not everything….but the attention to detail and creativity can not be questioned……I am NOT a huge fan of the “HUGE” shoulders on different tops, jackets, sweaters and dresses that are appearing on many runways……”BEEN THERE….DONE THAT”….They are a throw back to the 80s, and I can tell you those that invest in these exaggerated shoulders better have good tailors for when they want to narrow them in a year’s time when they will be totally…OUT…..However, that said…..I did appreciated the large shoulders on many of the Schiaparelli styles, because of the sculptured waist fit of the jackets…..It really was done to perfection, and they just weren’t boxes hanging from the shoulders…..looking like they were wearing a giants jacket…..The embroidery details….the creativity in the design and attention to the buttons, trims and buckles on the belts…the handbags and shoes, and all of the accessories…..worked beautifully with the entire concept of the collection…..The leather coat with the whip stitching, fringe and grommet detail was wonderful….The draping on many of the evening pieces was masterful….The jackets are always exceptional…..No….I didn’t love everything on this collect…..but from what I’ve seen so far on the runways it was a standout….You can’t deny the creative process…A Schiaparelli collect is always done with integrity…..It was NOT A LAZY COLLECTION!!!!……What collections have you seen that you….loved….liked….or hated????

…………….”HAPPY SAINT PATRICK’S DAY!”……………Today everyone is a little bit IRISH!

…………………….It’s been raining for days in Italy especially the…..Pisa…Florence area….Many rivers north of the cities have already overflowed their banks…….This is like deja vu when the Arno River in Florence overflowed into the city destroying, and creating destruction all over the city in 1966!…..I immediately called my dear friend Giovanna who lives in the hills above Florence…..We worked together for 20 years, and I would be in Florence for two weeks at a time at least four or five times a year…..I had many dinners and luncheons at her home over the years, and her view of the city is spectacular!….She just sent me videos that she took of the water rushing down the mountain and onto her property. Thank God her house is high and wasn’t damaged!…but she said it was horrifying. I pray the water doesn’t overflow the Arno again and flood the city…..Hopefully, they are taking precautions this time, and are moving the precious art to higher floors….Of course there is nothing they can do with the gigantic statues that are all over this magnificent city…..In 66′ they were caught totally by surprise….but this time they have had plenty of warning…..However, as you can see from these recent photos the flooding is happening….So far the city of Florence is OK, but barely. If the rain continues there will be trouble!….Check out the videos on YouTube.

…….I have heard the word “LIBERAL” bantered about a lot in recent months, and some uninformed people use the word “LIBERAL” in a derogative way…..They OBVIOUSLY do NOT KNOW the true meaning, and definition of the word. Those that use it in a malicious way are twisting its’ true meaning….by using it in a negative form…..I consider it to be a  very positive thing, and a badge of honor, when someone calls me “liberal”……it actually means….”1- Possessing or manifesting  a free and generous heart; bountiful”….if only there were more people in this world that had generous hearts….”2- Appropriate and/or fitting for a broad and enlightened mind”…..ENLIGHTENED being the operative word…..there are so many people in the world who’s mind’s live in darkness….”3- Free from narrowness, bigotry or bondage to authority or creed”….it’s worth repeating….”FREE from NARROWNESS, BIGOTRY or BONDAGE”….shouldn’t ALL descent people live by those words….”11.n. Any person who advocates liberty of thought, speech or action”….when our liberty and freedom of speech is being threatened and even punished it is time to make those in office accountable!….this definition is by WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY…..These are all wonderful attributes, and words to live by….so…..if you wish to call me “liberal minded”…..I will say “thank you”…..and take it as a deeply felt compliment.