Sarah Burton

[Images via Elle.com]

Alexander McQueen

The task of taking over any fashion house comes with its own special set of sresses, much less one as firm in its vision and feel as that of Alexander McQueen. Yet Sarah Burton, who worked with the designer for 15 years, proved this spring that you don’t share such close quarters without learning a thing or two. Her softening of McQueen’s quintessential details – the dramatic coat, the intense shoulders – was the right merging of two harmonious minds. Fortunately, Burton didn’t soften the drama too much, as her elaborate, awesome (in the true sense of the word) dresses harnessed the wildness of nature in its most wearable way.

[Images via Elle.com]

Viktor and Rolf

Amid the theatrics and tones of bright blue and earthy red, the overriding theme at Viktor and Rolf for Spring 2011 was the timelessness of a man’s shirt. Some outfits, like the opening quadruple-cuffed and collared shirtdress, may not transition so easily from catwalk to sidewalk. Yet, there were quite a few coat-tailed shirts with slim pants, and shimmering party dresses with asymmetrical embellishments of lace. Perhaps most surprising was the presentation of a few bridal pieces, with luxurious layers and structure. In the V&R world, the man’s shirt knows no bounds.

[Images via Elle.com]

Balmain

Fans of Christophe Decarnin who were expecting more of his heavy opulence from last season had another thing coming this spring. The designer stuck to his usual detail but went in the direction of punky studded jackets, second-skin leather pants, and safety-pinned tops with nary a dress in sight. It was focused and simple, but not without Balmain’s signature refinement. Starlets ready to up their rocker ante in a chic way in Spring 2011 now know exactly where to look.

-Kaci Hamilton

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