While the rest of the world has just bought a new agenda book for 2009, the fashion world is looking back to the 80’s for inspiration and Adam Lippes seemed to embrace the retro vibe wholeheartedly in his Fall/Winter 2009 collection shown at the tents on Saturday.  Lippes identified his inspiration as derived from the bold colors used in 19th century Japanese photographs that he had seen in a recent exhibition. 

The Japanese theme was most evident in a topaz satin top featuring cherry blossom embroidery while the 80’s were just about everywhere else: a sequin embroidered off the shoulder sweater, Hammer pants and boxy jackets.  The standout pieces were consequently the sequin dresses that were both sexy and of the moment. 

The look could ultimately best be described as somewhere between sweet and sophisticated.  Not overtly sexy, the clothes seemed fit for a confident and stylistically adventurous woman in her 30’s just transitioning from party girl days. 

Adrien Field

Images courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.