> ...The idea prevailed in the collection of Alexander McQueen who
> produced, among many other looks, a dress made with the hanging panels
> that call to mind a knight's costume. At Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs used
> piping to create the appearance of an articulated shoulder. Harness
> detailing turned up at Moschino and bustiers resembling breastplates have
> marked Tom Ford's fall collection for Gucci.
Prada's new gloves seem to be modeled on those used for fencing. In Nicolas Ghesquiere's Balenciaga collection, the influence of armor is unmistakable, with shoulders high, rounded, menacing and seemingly immobile. Even Andrew Gn, who is known for his breezy chinoiserie, has turned out a coat with a neckline high and stiff enough to look as if it could sprout a steel helmet.