I'M A BIG FAN!

Cosi Fan Tutte

Fan motifs blew in from all sides at the fall RTW shows. Both Derek Lam and Ermanno Scervino showed gorgeous black gowns with delicate folds of fabric that fanned the models' faces. Derek Lam's (top right, photo via nymag.com) was both substantial and shiny, creating

an evocative hourglass silhouette. Ermanno Scervino's interpretation (top left; photo courtesy Italian Vogue online) was more subtle, with a transparent half circle of origami-folded chiffon capping the bust and a wispy, layered skirt.

Joanna Mastroianni's short red strapless stunner offered looser folds, and a cheekily "casual" vibe due to on-seam pockets. Photo at right via nymag.com/fashion.

RED HOT!

Our team is R-E-D red H-O-T hot, you can't beat the stuff we got, HEY HEY!!!

Sorry, couldn't help myself with the high school cheer.

In addition to the bevy of flourescent brights out there this season, we are also faced with some seriously steamy SCARLET styles.

First, check out Benjamin Cho's daring "torn" shift dress (top right) in a vibrant, shiny Alexander Calder red with a decorative cut-out flower and exposed sequin underlay. Genius!

Maria Menounos wore a delicious Marchesa dress at the Heart Truth show recently. All the gowns were red and the proceeds went to a great cause (finding a cure for breast cancer), but this frock was a real standout. Plus, I love Ms. Menounos, I must confess.

At Givenchy (right), it was head to toe primary pouf. The flirty, frilly red skirt was adorned with a billowy half-sleeve bolero, almost regal in stature. The model even wore red hosiery and sandals - reddy, set, go!

I adore this vintage red and white taffeta frock (pictured at left), with high strapless "v" neckline and full tea-length skirt, available at antiquedress.com, a site I just discovered that is chock full of amazing conversation and museum pieces!

At Christian Dior (right), the classic red shift was accessorized with jeweled neckline and belt, red gloves, and even a handsome oversize scarlet tote.

For a perfect BEACHgoing red, try this handsomely patterned Balinese Tory Burch tunic (at left), for purchase at Neiman Marcus.

If you prefer your scarlet in smaller doses, sport this Vera Wang Lavender Label beaded necklace (left) with a James Perse white t-shirt and your fave J Brand skinnies. It is surprisingly affordable, given its designer provenance, and incredibly gorgeous!

Or, simply dye a red skunk stripe in your hair, as was done at Anna Sui (right).

Alternatively, commit to red legwear a la Gossip Girl (lower right). Though a bit trashy by design, the scarlet fishnet look was quite breathtaking at Betsey Johnson's Fall 2008 show.

Also, really enjoyed Tuleh's pointy-toed, knee-high red suede boots!

As a grand finale, I leave you with this stunning detail image of a model at Zac Posen (from Dilani's Lookbook on Style.com). The red lip and decorative feathery scarlet bow bustier are a winning combination.

Photos courtesy nymag.com, neimanmarcus.com, and net-a-porter.com except where otherwise noted.