Paris Fashion Week Spring 2012: Stefano Pilati Plays It Safe and Stunning at YSL

In this unstable economic climate, some designers are playing it safe with commercial collections that are sure to sell well.

That, combined with persistent rumors of his unseating, should have designer Stefano Pilati shaking in his (gorgeous) boots at YSL.

Instead, the dashing designer continues to reinvent classics. We saw slim pants and sleeveless scarf top looks that made for a mean silhouette. Color blocking as a term is overused, but the rich jewel tones that he paired together in sharp skirt looks made for a beautiful palette. The prints on flowing dresses and skirts called to mind the gypsy feeling found in the collections of his predecessors, particularly the iconic Ballet Russes from Saint Laurent himself.