Glamour Goddesses ... Azzaro F/W 2008-09

Though the next fall/winter may see fashionistas walking the streets in somber and sober colors with heavy fabrics, less embellishments, and less fabulous, at Azzaro, it's a different story.

First, you maybe have heard the name Azzaro as in the name of bestselling fragrance called Chrome Azzaro but do you know that Azzaro, or real name Loris Azzaro was actually a famous fashion designer back in the 1970's up to the 80's?

Famous among French socialites and international celebrities for its dramatic party dresses with ornate collars and generous cutouts, plus sheer gowns with strategically placed sequins, Azzaro's clients include actresses Isabella Adjani, Sophia Lauren, Marisa Berenson, and Raquel Welch.

Although the Tunisian-born designer had left us five years ago, in November 2003, his legacy remains till today and the task is currently carried by Argentina-born designer Vanessa Seward since 2004.

Since the last four years, Seward's creation, infusing her creative ideas with Azzaro's signature styles such as extravagant ornamentation on collars as well as liberal usage of sheer materials have garnered serious attention from fashion top notch devotees such as Nicole Kidman who once wore her creation at a prestigious award show years ago.

Reaching her successful fourth year with the legendary fashion house, Sewatd continues to bring glamor and fabulousness into her new fall/winter 2008-09 collection.

Despite of presenting the collection in a large scale to a large crowd of media members and jetsetting glitterattis, Seward opted for a simpler but intimate approach where her guests not only could get a closer look but at the same time, be engaged in an interactive activity in order to further appreciate Seward's new collection.

This season, Seward brings back the sensuous and gracefully flowing goddess-y empire line dresses with rhinestone-ornate collars and pleated long skirts. Start your day with either a black mini wrap dress matched with a pair of sheer leggings and long leather clutch topped with high-heel ankle boots of the same hue or go for black one-shoulder dress with ruffled neckline and rhinestone detail on the sides. If solid black is too sober then go for embellished tunic minidress in white, stylishly paired with sheer black silk leggings and booties.

For those who are bold enough and want to stand out from the rest of fashionable crowd, then invest in these two must have looks from Azzaro - pant suit with slim fit tailored trousers and black long-sleeved shirt, accessorized with white fur gilet and square clutch bag.

The second must-invest look is the seductive little black dress with sweetheart neckline and ribbon tied around the waist, complemented by sheer lace poncho with wide neck. Oh don't forget my third recommendation - a classy short jacquard lame dress paired with brown suede ankle boots. Furry fur coats are always optional baby.

Azzaro's fall/winter 2008-09 will be available at Azzaro boutique and selected retailers worldwide starting end of August to late September. At the meantime, the spring/summer 2008 collection is out now.

*Photos by Giovanni Giannoni for Womens Wear Daily.

Azzaro - 63, Rue du Faubourg St- Honore, 8e, Paris, France.