Curiosity and anticipation led up to the Fall 2008 ready to wear show from Yves Saint Laurent as this was the first collection presented since the late and great Saint Laurent succumbed to health complications this past June. The keenness shown was met with a positive outcome as critics, journalists, editors and fashionistas alike were not let down by the contemporary yet innovative collection.

Saint Laurent was best known for presenting classic styled garments with exceptional tailoring and cuts. What fashion savvy woman doesn't still lust after the iconic and forever stylish “Le Smoking” tuxedo jacket? (Unless of course it's already an acquired, staple piece in her wardrobe!). Stefano Pilati, the creative director behind the Fall '08 collection, sent out a string of supermodels rocking chic, sharp and dramatic pieces that rivalled the tailoring of Monsieur Saint Laurent himself.

Fall's trend of slightly gothic, dark and moody collections was still evident all over the runways this season, and YSL was no exception. The defining difference and reason everyone is scrambling to Saks Fifth Ave to claim some YSL pieces as their own is the futuristic spin on the collection.

Deep black, some pieces detailed with flashes of sky blue or lemon yellow, sharp navy and all shades of grey were dominant colours in the collection. Still sexy patent leather, classic tweed, sheers and sequins complimented and intensified the somewhat muted colours. Many of the pieces focused on shape, unusual volume, and uncompromising angles such as extreme, dramatic jodhpurs; slim fitting, waist-cinching dresses; swingy, A-line dresses and boxy, loose jackets. The collection downplayed prints and patterns as to not overwhelm; the pieces were devastatingly gorgeous enough on their own.

As a brazenly bold makeup statement, models sauntered down the runway with matching pale, blank faces contrasted with striking black lipstick normally reserved for Halloween. Black, blunt bobs that resembled fashionable bowl cuts topped all the models' heads as well. Somehow, instead of looking scary, the statement was more, “fashion in 2020” rather than, “Oh-my-god-shelooks- like-a-freak!” Black, opaque tights brought the whole look together and were met with the almost too tall pumps and booties YSL is so famous for.

Love it or hate it, the Fall 2008 collection certainly got people talking. Although the pieces were risky and somewhat concept-like, it presented innovativeness, creativity and ingeniousness. Not many other designers had this kind of significant impact and high level of magnitude on the runway, or frankly, the fearlessness shown. Surely, this collection would have been something Monsieur Saint Laurent would have been proud to call his own.