>> People are already talking about it... this Aquascutum coat will be flying off the racks... (or maybe it won't even make it to the racks). 

>>  I feel a trend coming on... and it's cute, in a nerdy way.  Kind of like the button that Diana Eng sells on the top of her website.  It's been termed "librarian chic" -- librarian for the requisite big eyeglasses,  the pulled-back hair... and chic for the...well, these are runway clothes we're talking about, after all.  Max Azria and Paul Smith have tried their hand at the look so far for Fall 2006, but it's Riccardo Tisci who masters the librarian for Givenchy Haute Couture  -- and it is beautiful.

>>  During couture week, Ms. Suzy Menkes described a collection:

Martin Margiela has taken his penchant for recycling upscale. Although his collection was named "artisanal" rather than "couture," it added up to one-off clothes - although not the kind you would find in a traditional Paris salon. The Belgian designer had used bead necklaces, weighted and measured to give them perfect balance as they veiled a corset. Sandals straps were remade into an openwork leather top; and butterfly-sleeve spangled blouses from the 1980s were reconstructed as party dresses.

Intrigued, I set myself to tracking down some pictures.  Well, eureka, I've found them -- the presentation is tres cool.  And while the flower top may be a bit gimmicky, the leather top is definitely worthy "artisanal" pieces.  **source: firstview