Though I wouldn’t turn to the 1980s (the decade that gave us mesh shirts, shoulder pads, and neon legwarmers), the Edwardian era (the period responsible for the bustle, the s-shaped corset, and the leg o’ mutton sleeve), or the bondage look (the style that gave us—well, you know) for the basis for my next outfit, Riccardo Tisci proves in his latest couture collection for Givenchy that combining the three together yields some surprisingly chic results. The typical outfit in this collection balanced feminine lace with hardcore leather straps or eerie mummy wrapping, soft, organza shoulder-poofs with skin-tight skirts and sleeves, and even the concealing and revealing effects of sheer, eyelet-covered veils.

Beauty through asymmetry was also a clear goal of Tisci’s, reflected in the fact that most of his dresses featured off-the shoulder cuts, irregular gathering, and elegant but unpredictable draping. My personal fave looks arose when Tisci loosened up a bit, let the fabric flow, and ditched the austere black and white for more playful colors such as ivory, champagne, canary-yellow, violet, or rose. All in all, the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2009 couture collection will leave your skin crawling and your hair raised; both because of its utter freakiness and its profound beauty.

-Lily Allen

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