The mood of the Fall Winter 2006 collections has been described as somber and sober. Karl Lagerfeld recently summed up the new modesty and lack of color on the runway by saying “If you read the daily papers, you are not in the mood for pink and green." Others are taking a more sinister view of the situation and calling it the "Muslim-ization" of fashion.

Whether the shift is conscious or unconscious the trend is clearly visible this season. Designers showed lots of draped layers and modest colors. But the real explanation may be less complex and politically loaded. After years of exposed midriffs and brilliant colors it is inevitable that things would swing back to something a bit more modest.

<< Lagerfeld Gallery Spring/Summer 2006 Collection during Paris Fashion Week.
Photo: Steve Wood - Stardustfashion.com

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Oscar nominated actress Keira Knightley has signed a million dollar 3 year deal to be the face of Chanel.

Knightly replaces Kate Moss who fall out of favor with the fashion house after her recent drug problems. The 21 year-old British actress who was nominated for her role as Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice knocked them out on the red carpet with a merlot-colored Vera Wang gown and stunning necklace designed by Bulgari in the 1960's.