All BLACK Everything [Balmain]

No one does biker-chic better than Balmain. Tailored, leather jackets for men and women have quickly become a house staple for the hyper luxurious  brand. The season, creative director, Olivier Rousteing adds some texture to the equation with a shearling-lined structured coat in supple lambskin. He finished things off with double zipper and discreet snap closures. Vroom, vroom!

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Sexy Sophisticate [Emilio Pucci Fall 2012]

Creative Director Peter Dundas, sexes things up at Emilio Pucci for Fall. His big ideas this season (sheer slashes and menswear inspired tailoring) weren't particularly new concepts, but Dundas executed them perfectly. He opened the show with a series of black shifts with strategically placed sheer panels. The sheer and opaque contrast continued with some crocodile embossed leather pieces outfitted with sheer sleeves appliquéd with crocodile scales. He transitioned with some pale blue looks, that while beautiful, didn't prove cohesive. The best pieces, however, were in the closer. A black halter gown and blazer modeled by Joan Smalls was the epitome of chic.

America's Choice [Thom Browne Pre-Fall 2013

Designer Thom Browne is best known for extreme silhouettes, and colorful runway shows, but after today he will be known as the designer behind FLOTUS Michelle Obama's Inauguration ensemble. The First Lady wore a custom coat from Browne's surprisingly wearable Pre-Fall collection. The ensuing press coverage couldn't have come at a better time for the designer. His Pre-Fall showing was a tempered affair. The silhouette was trimmed down to normal proportions with sharp shoulders, cinched waists and full skirts. He mixed things up with texture and pattern, using various scales of gingham, tweed and houndstooth often in a single garment. The A-line skirt in the first look is a good example. Browne also put his experience from collaborating with Moncler to good use crafting some exceptional outerwear pieces. The double breasted coat in navy with fur collar is perfection. With such a commercially geared collection, I imagine Mr. Browne will see the desired traction at retail. 

FLOTUS [Michelle Obama x Thom Browne]

First Lady Michelle Obama's wardrobe for the 57th Presidential Inauguration has been a much talked about topic. At President Obama's ceremonial swearing into office, the First Lady wore a custom Thom Browne coat and dress. She accessorized her look with a jeweled belt, plum gloves and nude kitten heels (not pictured) all by J. Crew. Michelle swapped her kitten heels and coat for suede boots and teal cardigan (also not pictured) by Reed Krakoff for lunch.

I Have A DREAM [Beyoncé & JAY-Z]

The first family of hip-hop arrives to the 57th Presidential Inauguration. JAY-Z is wearing Tom Ford and Beyoncé is wearing an Emilio Pucci gown, Christian Dior coat and Lorraine Schwartz jewels; a bit over dressed for the occasion, but they sure look good. Happy MLK!

"I do this for my culture."

My President is Black [Givenchy]

Celebrate President Obama's inauguration with Givenchy's flag-print cotton jersey T-shirt. Originally priced at $475 (but now on sale for $237.50), life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness apparently come with a hefty price tag. 

BAD RELIGION [LANVIN]

Alber Elbaz takes Lanvin to church with some divine re-imaginings of the iconic crucifix. And people say fashion is a godless industry.

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Back to the Future [Alexander McQueen Fall 2012]

Sarah Burton throws us a curve ball and takes fashion in a creative and fresh direction for Fall 2012. The look is all about volume and texture. Models were completely enveloped in the plushest fabrics or at the very least swathed in luscious furs. The silhouette was largely cinched at the waist, but full skirted at the hips and expansive at the shoulders. Burton accessorized the look with shearling covered boots of the heelless wedge variety and oversized futuristic visors. The pale color palette was surprisingly light for fall, and while the pieces moved beautifully on the runway, there was an ominous, dark edge to the collection. Aesthetics aside, it looks like Burton is predicting a more severe or harsh environment in the future ahead; at least we'll be well dressed.

The New Anna Karenina [Balmain Fall 2012]

Olivier Rousteing continues his run at Balmain with yet another exquisitely luxurious collection. The 26 year-old creative director carried over much of the Russian theme from Pre-Fall, but what's missing this time around is all the fuss. Where the previous collection was polished, this show was relaxed. All of the spectacular details remained: leather sweatshirts were outfitted with floral embroideries, dresses were encrusted with pearls and velvet was dévoré with intricate Fabergé patterns. But boxier silhouettes, no jewelry and clean faced models made the clothes feel easy. The collection maintained all the expensive elements (including the price tag) that fans of the brand expect, but with none of the pretentious severity normally associated with pearls, velvet and leather. We'll call it casual luxury.

Lamb Chops Play Along [Men's Shearling Coats]

Though not nearly as cold as winters past, this season is proving to be less mild than last year's. And menswear designers from Carven to Gucci and McQueen are prepared. This season, shearling was the fabric of choice for outerwear. Not as ostentatious (or pricey) as traditional fur, shearling is the perfect compromise for the guy who wants some drama, but without all the fuss. Extra Credit: many of these collars are detachable for a more demure look. Check out some cozy options below. 

Little Black Dress [Lanvin]

Alber does it yet again. If I didn't know better, I'd think that Lanvin sponsored this segment, but the reality is that Alber Elbaz, creative director at Lanvin, just knows how to craft an amazing little black dress. This draped, strapless concoction is perfect balance between sexy and chic.

STRAPPED UP [Alexander McQueen Men's]

Alexander McQueen updates a classic button up shirt with the house's now signature harness panel on the shoulders. The piece must have become a favorite at retail, as the team at McQueen reemerges each season with fresh takes. This season, in addition to classic cotton poplin, offerings include some contrast with flannel and leather. Well done!

gray flannel & leather