The Best from Paris and Milan

1. Glitzy Epaulettes

We adore a strong shoulder, so yes, we've been in luck lately. But even moreso now that Balmain, Givenchy, and other designers gave our right angles a little extra oomph. Above, from left: Balmain; Andrew Gn; Givenchy.


2. Pleating and Draping

An extension to the goddess craze, the ethereal chiffon pleats and '70s'esque draping took the female icon to a whole new level. Above, from left: Hermès; Lanvin; Chloé; Gianfranco Ferre.

3. Asymmetric Ruffle

Part Flamenco, part mother-of-the-bride, the big body-accentuating ruffles we loved most at Stella McCartney and Lanvin were as sculptural as they were sexy. Above, from left: Valentino; Lanvin; Stella McCartney; Bottega Veneta.

4. Embellished Nudes

Nude and neutrals are pretty much a staple of spring, but glammed up with rhinestones, brocade, and other embellishments gave this basic shade a schizophrenic sort of chic. Above, from left: AF Vandervorst; Miu Miu; Vanentino; Alberta Ferretti.

5. Matchy-Matchy

All-over prints on the wrong people can be a recipe for disaster. But presented by Ann Demeulemeester and Givenchy, these optical illusions are a study in artfulness. Above, from left: Miu Miu; Ann Demeulemeester; Kenzo; Givenchy.

6. Metallic Minis

We know! Nothing new about yet another outpouring of minis, but turned out in gleaming metallics, this new batch feels both glamorous and futuristic. Above, from left: Balmain; Costume National; Christian Dior; Balmain.

Source: Refinery29