Marchesa Fall/Winter 2008 ... Regally Inspired

Marchesa is synonymous with the Oscars and vice versa. Nominees and celebrities always wanted to be spotted in their lovely creations that are usually revolves around blooming flowers as hems or even skirts, lending a sort of much-needed subliminal look and yes, drama while walking on the red carpet.

And nothing makes a British brand more British than to take their beloved Queen Elizabeth I as muse. At the recent New York Fashion Week, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig previewed their upcoming fall/winter 2008 collection of couture gowns and dresses, all, as usual, whimsically crafted with lots of blooms taken into account.

Opening the show was a high-neck dress in red with bunches of tiny organza roses on its sleeves, that seems to me like a bunch of cranberries perching on the model's shoulders. The real drama began after another model appeared in a purple corset dress with rosette detailing on the skirt, a vivid sign that you are actually viewing the works of Marchesa at the Marchesa show.

Playing with lots of gathers, multi-layered ruffles, and a pinch of theatrical-level volumes, the collection thrives with an eclectic combination of colors ranging from the basics of red and black to mint and aubergine.

Fancy gowns and stunning evening dresses aside, the girls are adding jumpsuit as well into their collection. This one is sleeveless black with rounded lapels, akin to a waistcoat as seen on top, with plummeting neckline.

Another sure hit from Marchesa for the upcoming fall/winter will be the white corset gown with rich black damask embroidery and ostrich feather hem, reminds me of a classic look.

If you think that is not so theatrical and fancy enough, then this breathtaking piece of art - black chiffon ball gown with chiffon fan detailing in various sizes is sure to turn you from a fashion maven to an overnight belle of the ball. Cinderella, eat your heart out!

And speaking of Cinderella, remember how Drew Barrymore's version of Cinderella dressed when she tried to save one of her loyal servants from being shipped to America by the King of France in her hit movie "Ever After"?

Well, thanks to the girls, the classic Renaissance empire line dress with cap sleeves in fresh mint with gathered skirt and embellished by golden needlework on hem and shoulders is back in style.

Marchesa's fall/winter 2008 couture collection will be available to select upscale retailers starting the end of August to late September while the spring/summer 2008 collection is in stores now. In Malaysia, the Marchesa Notte line is available exclusively to Aseana at Melium Galleria, KLCC.

*Photos by Don Ashby for Style.com

Marchesa - Joyce Boutique - 16 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong; Lane Crawford IFC Mall - Podium 3, IFC Mall, 8, Finance Street, Central Hong Kong; Lane Crawford Pacific Place - Level 1, Pacific Place, 88, Queen's Way, Admiralty, Hong Kong; Tribeca - #01-25, The Forum, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore; Soho Boutique - Jalan Darmawangsa 6, Darmawangsa SQ Citywalk Lt, Basement #63, Jakarta.