SPLURGE - Spring 2011 Pre-Orders

I know, I know, I have been doing a lot of splurges lately, but can you really blame me for this one? I go for a quick view of luisaviaroma and discover that they have pre-orders for the Spring 2011 collections online already! And by look! I always think it's exciting to see what actually makes it into stores after the runway shows, and judging by the selection on luisaviaroma, it's a fair amount, but under half of the runway offerings (at least so far) for the majority of the collections. Anyway, I went through it all and pulled my favorites from the Dior Homme, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, KrisVanAssche, Dsquared², and Neil Barrett shows. The prices are out of control, but there is no doubt that these are some beautiful garments (and shoes). Splurge - come Spring.

(Burberry Prorsum Coat - $2,495.00)

(Burberry Prorsum Belted Leather Jacket - $3,899.00)

(Burberry Prorsum Side-Zip Sweater - $1,095.00)

(Burberry Prorsum Trench - $2395.00)

(Dior Homme Jacket - $2,258.20)

(Dolce & Gabbana Ripped Faded Jeans - $544.90)

(Dolce & Gabbana Faded Jeans - $461.00)

(Dolce & Gabbana Lace-up Shoes - $527.10)

(Dolce & Gabbana Shorts - $522.20)

(Dsquared² Double-Breasted Jacket - $1,836.00)

(KrisVanAssche Belted Jacket - $1396.00)

(Neil Barrett Khaki Jacket - 1,032.90)

Dsquared² - Spring 2011 - Review

Three words to describe the Dsquared² spring 2011 menswear runway show: Cool, colorful, casual. The first looks were mostly blue, white, and khaki, but soon the palette shifted into high gear with all sorts of garments in neons. Dean and Dan Caten have mastered the outdoorsy man's wardrobe, switching their focus to a preppier customer while still keeping the laid back and light hearted attitude that is at the core of their brand.

In true Dsquared² fashion, a leather jacket is produced in bright yellow and its suede counterpart in bright blue. Though not something I would ever be caught dead wearing, these are pieces I could see their customer going ga-ga over. The Dsquared² man never takes himself too seriously, but cares about the quality and design of his clothes. Though their clothing may look a little odd at times, Dean and Dan are all about the meeting of drama and comedy in fashion.

On the other hand, there were definitely pieces in the collection that were wearable. My favorites were the navy fisherman's sweater, the rolled up white shorts, and the khaki double breasted blazer. High waited, pleated jeans were the dressiest garments in the collection with the exception of an oddly placed tuxedo and a shirt and tie (sans jacket) combination, both of which felt out of place in black at the end of a colorful, sportswear laden collection.

Dean and Dan Caten have designed a wonderful collection of mostly wearable looks mixed with just enough show pieces to entertain.