Love me, Tendril

Cutting corners - literally! No hard edges here . . . just curvilinear forms and abstract florals, all the way around.

The Art Nouveau train has been circling the fashion station for months now, but we are now really ready to jump on board!

The trend is defined by whimsical prints with fanciful, plant-like forms.

W Magazine offered a beautifully edited round-up in its April 2008 issue (see photo at left and read more at www.wmagazine.com/fashion/2008/04/nouveau_trend).

Miuccia Prada gets most of the credit for emblazoning frocks and footwear with curving tendrils reminiscent of a Paris Metro stop.

Of course, I am referring to the epitome of Art Nouveau style, the architecture of Hector Guimard. See photo of Metropolitan Entrance, courtesy greatbuildings.com.

The widely photographed and heavily advertised Prada Spring 2008 Collection took its cue directly from Guimard's metal tendrils. Even the backdrop of the runway was laquered with art nouveau imagery! This look from the show in Milan is taken from nymag.com.

Others are "on board" with the curvilinear trend as well. Custo Barcelona, famous for its wacky prints, has taken a foray into handbag design and come up with a winner. Behold, the chic bowling bag! Photo courtesy style.com.

For more insightful journalism on this hot topic, visit www.elle.com/fashionfirsttrend/13725/spring-2008-art-trend.html