I am not a big fan of the minimalist look, shown by Calvin Klein, Balenciaga and Yves St Laurent in their autumn / winter 08 collections. The minimalist look is free from accessories, adornment and pattern. Instead it creates interest with strong silouettes and sharp tailoring. I think this look is great if you have the money to invest in real quality pieces. With no accessories, patterns etc to draw the eye, a badly cut or poor quality piece of clothing will appear exactly what it is.

In stark contrast, there is another key trend for Autumn winter 08 for extravagant excess. With richly coloured prints and patterns, metallic fabrics, fringes, ruffles, lace and statement jewellery, these outfits have plenty of interest and plenty to keep the eyes busy. I love this look, but when it comes to extravagent details and accessories, how much is too much?

It is very true, it’s not about what you wear, it is how you  wear it. How much is too much, when it comes to dressing is all about you. How you look, your personality and how skillfully you can combine the different elements to create an extravagant but stylish look. There is only one way to find out, have a go. Try combining clashing colours and patterns, different textures, contrasting materials and looks. If you have a very outgoing personality, love being the centre of attention, are tall and can mix and match clothes and accessories sucessfully, then there really is no such thing as too much. You can create an interesting and energetic outfit that combines a mish mash of different looks, colours, patterns or textures.

pictures from www.style.com

When it comes to extravagent excess, Christian Lacroix knows no bounds, his autumn winter 08 collection included embroidery over paterrns, metallic fabrics, feathers, applique and bright colours.

This Gerry Weber printed jumper with sequins is a great start if you want to create a look of extravagent excess.

You can’t beat a bit of Haute Couture gazing for the ultimate in window shopping. I know I will probably never be able to afford any of it but that doesn’t stop me looking. I love the attention to detail on the couture clothes and the often extravagant designs. Christian Lacroix is probably the king of extravagance when it comes to Haute Couture clothes and his Autumn / Winter collection was no exception.The collection most certainly had military and historical references with leg of mutton sleeves and jackets encrusted with jewels. Frilly skirts complemented corseted bodies and the look completed with spiky top knotted hair and lace veils across the eyes. The details were as usual fabulous and a quick glance at these clothes was just not enough to discover everything they had to offer. As usual the collection was a fiesta of colour texture and pattern.