Frida goes back to black – and there’s nothing somber about it! I’ll admit it: my friends and I have been dressing like clowns as of late. The all-consuming colorblocking trend has unleashed the tacky in all of us. It is time to take a step back, as Gucci inspires us to get back to our sophisticated black-relishing roots for fall. I am and always have been a die-hard lover of “black on black on black” – and I’m so ready to embrace my sense of dark chic once again.

In the capable hands of Frida Giannini, indulging your dark side doesn’t mean looking heavy and austere. Much like her work with lots of solid-gold fringe for Spring (which could easily have looked cheap if executed by a less competent designer), Fall 2012 is heartily delicate – transparent yet fiercely strong. When you’re dealing with monochrome midnight the key is texture play, and Gucci toys brilliantly: slinky velvet, multi-dimensional brocades, expertly cut wool, glossy leathers, touchable knits, gossamer sheerness, all set off by deep crimson lips and whisper-sheer stockings.

Color was imbued in the subtlest of ways: opulent and luxurious oversized smoking jackets and chiffon blouses were inflected with hints of bronze, yellow, and mauve. My favorite: the wash of feathers in midnight green and the delicate use of mink inlaid on chiffon. This marks Gucci’s triumphant return to bona fide elegance.