Recession Chic? Could it be that Christopher Bailey was inspired by today’s hard times? At Burberry Prorsum, models came down the darkened runway in somber greys, newsboy caps, and bold tweeds. Though the collection appears to be a bit of reference to the not so pleasant economy, Bailey’s work can only be described as anything but.

As Karl Lagerfeld would most likely be able to tell you any day, true design comes from being able to key into what is happening in present time. Not to mention, what would appeal to customers. Staying true to the loyal Burberry consumer, Christopher Bailey gave us just that.

In recent collections, the classic Burberry check has been metallic, gray, and even black. Having undergone numerous changes, nothing holds more to the Burberry name than the traditional and ever popular brown check. Revived today, the noted check appeared yet again in an array of neck warmers and shirt. Being paired with elegant pin-stripe trousers or at one point a simple trench coat and white bowed dress shirt, the check has never met a more luxurious match.

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For his Fall 2008 collection for the house’s women line, designer Raf Simons adds a touch of men’s tailoring to women’s clothing. Today at the Jil Sander Fall 2009 presentation, Simons decidedly opted to put a  slightly androgynous twist on fashion. Nipped-in waists, meticulous cuts, and rich patterns display simplicity at it best.

As the boxy silhouette of the past now leaves us, no longer is the eye-catching hourglass figure limited to women. Opening with a structured black coat, the collection immediately stuck the architectural cords that are ever more present in today’s runway presentations. Rounded shoulders with fuller sleeves, though not new,  were executed to perfection.

As Fall/Winter signifies a direct and usual change of one’s outside surroundings, Simons captures the array of vitiating hues within the use of a warm yet sleek color palette. Mid-length day coats with somber dark grays transitioning into bolder muted reds embody the dark and brief change in climate from fall to winter.

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As the world’s current financial stress starts to make it’s mark in fashion, it appears that the global warming problem is a thing of last year. As each summer increasingly becomes hotter in most parts of the world, designers aren’t holding back. With Fall 2009 fashion week just moments away, one should be prepared for the darker colors soon to be seen. Though usually reserved for fall collections, some recent Spring 2009 runways were parades of black.

Why are we attracted to black, when it comes to clothing? One factor could be the mysterious edge that color can give off. For others, black becomes a color of reference only due to the age-old thought that most bodily flaws can be hidden within the dark hue. What ever the reason why we are drawn to the color, black will always remain something that can never go out of style.

From Dior Homme to Masion Martin Margiela – no Spring 2009 runway was complete without a black piece. To some seeing a repetitive trend might become a little tiring, but with the detailing that appeared in a few presentations, the black craze could be described as anything but. At Alexander McQueen, a fluid smoke print appeared in suits and blazers. At Givenchy, black leather leggings paired with cuffed black shorts, stuck a few bondage cords within. Even Dior Homme’s chic cut outs enovoked a feeling that would rival 007 today.

As the temperatures start to hit an all time high in coming summer months, take a new twist on the classic black.

[Images: Gq.com & PixelFormula]

Celebrating 20 years in men’s fashion, Roberto Cavalli goes back to his initial starting point. With a ski lodge as a backdrop, this is a collection that speaks for itself.

“ This season, the Roberto Cavalli man is a rebellious, globe-trotting hunter/rocker, roaming around in tartans and Navajo prints — and never meeting a pelt he doesn’t like. So far, the designer takes the prize for the most elaborate stage set, a grand hacienda, carpeted in fur.

The whole display was hard to reconcile with the Cavalli’s intent. “We were exaggerated, it was too much,” he said of  the past. “Change is right. There were too many fake rich people. Now we are returning to the real rich. ” – WWD

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Though the topic has not really been discussed, Balmain Homme has been confirmed to exist and still to be designed by the houses womenswear designer, Christophe Decarnin. Seeing the success and transformation of the Balmain name in recent years, it’s not difficult to see why the company has decided to extend it’s wide range of designs to the likes of men. As Fall 2009 Men’s Fashion Week is vastly approaching, is there news of a Balmain Homme show to be taking place? Well, the answer is not so clear. All one can do is just wait and see.

In 2008, every time a star stepped out in a Balmain piece, an immediate edgy-yet-elegant sense of style was thrust upon them. From Carine Roitfeld to Sarah Jessica Parker, Decarnin designed garments quickly became a hot commodity among women. Time was decidedly of the essence to take the Balmain house even further. Once known for its classic luxurious designs, under the reigns of designers such as Erik Mortensen, Oscar De La Renta, and Peirre Balmain himself, new creative director Christophe Decarnin has a vision of a more modern and edgier person. One that still has a thirst for well worked Parisian couture craftsmanship.

If a Balmain Homme show is set to take place, a few of Decarnin’s signature favorites will surly be present. Five seasons into his new found career at the label, it’s clear that Decarnin has a love of work inspired by music. From hard-edge embellishments to the wild prints, boho hippies and punk rockers frequently come alive on the Balmain runways. With a sleeker silhouette, but it’s remained classic appeal – pieces can vary from person to person. Yet still be easily noticed as designed by Decarnin.

With little spoken of the Balmain Homme line, there wouldn’t be surprise if Christophe Decarnin pulls inspiration for his own personal style. Once known to be shy, the designer comes alive a few short seconds after his runway presentations and makes a appearance. Ripped or distressed jeans, bold combat boots, bomber jacket and all – there would be no surprise if a march of replicated versions of Decarnin parade down what might be an upcoming runway show.

[Images: PixelFormula]