Fashion's Soviet Sensation

I hope you have some red, white and black in your closet. You'll need it for 2010. There's a Constructivist theme ramping up in la mode, inspired by the 1920s Russian art movement.

Ohne Titel, a label by a design duo that was recently nominated for a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award, knocked me out with this asymmetrical-print dress in its spring 2010 collection. It bursts with a similar mix of solid colors and stripes at this Constructivist poster.

Looking ahead to pre-fall, Zac Posen continued the theme in a more romantic but equally graphic frock. I'd bet this new crush on Constructivism started with Obama campaign imagery by graphic artist Shepard Fairey. It was ubiquitous during last year's presidential election.

Then when Saks Fifth Avenue hired Fairey to create campaign for its stores, the L.A. artist turned out his most obvious Constructivist-inspired work to date, complete with calls to action such as "Arm Yourself with a Slouchy Bag." In both the clothing and the posters, bold blocks of color create straightforward visual energy, while the curves add movement and feminine fluidity. The overall effect? A can-do vibe that will be welcome in 2010.