Reality stars

Others did a better job in the "more is more" category. Take Tommaso Aquilano and Roberto Rimondi, the rising design stars on the Milan fashion scene. In their debut show for Gianfranco Ferre, they sacrificed wearability for high-impact, architectural frills. But they loosened up in their eponymous collection, which hearkened back to the '30s with liquidy draped gowns in harvest colors, some with wood-beaded collars or fringed backs, sequined tunics, fluid metallic jackets and lots of layered necklaces. Like Marc Jacobs, it was a little of this, a little of that, which is something everyone can do.

Recession, what recession? Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's collection was opulence extraordinaire. "Pigiama Barocco," they called it, or Baroque Pajama. That meant brocade bed jackets, creamy silk wrap-front pajama tops, bejeweled belts, brooches and platform wedge shoes so grand, I want to decorate my house with them. (Etro did pajama pants too, but in decadent paisleys.)

There were also sculptural elements -- another trend for the spring season -- such as rounded, Mickey Mouse ear sleeves on jackets, and wing-like folds on skirts. In the one-of-a-kind department, lovely caged crinoline gowns were dotted with white silk roses, and a cream tulle bustier dress with corset lacing made Dita Von Teese's eyes light up.

The rest of us can hit the vintage stores and re-create the look with silk pajamas and peignoirs from the '40s, '50s and beyond. If you have to get your thrills at home, this is the way to do it.

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booth.moore@latimes.com