Given her Euro roots, it’s not surprising that Diane Von Furstenberg turned to the Continent for inspiration. The stunning Fall ‘07 collection 'La Movida' is filled with images and recurring motifs found throughout  the art and architecture of Spain.  Although Picasso, Barcelona and Gaudi are obvious inspirations, I’ve paired some of my favorite runway looks with photos from a recent trip to Basque country’s Bilbao (home of Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim) and El Ciego.  They're but one of hundreds of representative examples of Spain’s seamless combination of classic and modern style.

While most designers relied heavily on ornamentation, DVF is one of the few designers this season who used color extensively, both in prints and monochromatic pieces.  I especially liked her pairing of printed coats over dresses -- usually this looks too matchy-matchy, but in her hands, it just feels right.  Let’s hope to see these prints in a wrap style or two…(-: 

Ditto for the print she used for her ‘show’ dress--the playful painter smock styling is smoking’ hot with those fab suede boots…go girl!

So happy to see something besides black for her occasion pieces -- I see the Seville red taffeta wrap in my holiday future…this is such an elegant classic style, would love to see this in some additional jeweled tones. 

The finale dress was bejeweled with faceted crystals on top and a truly Spanish-inspired skirt.  It reminded me of Frank Gehry’s Marques de Riscal hotel inspired by a flamenco dancer’s skirt or wine flowing from a bottle...either way, it was a delicious end to an exquisite fashion feast.

(runway photos courtesy of New York Magazine)