I strive not to be one of those people who constantly looks back and reminisces about “the good old days”. Yet, every time I see a recent Gucci collection, I can’t help but pine for Tom Ford.

Let’s get this out of the way now: I don’t NOT like Frida Giannini. There’s nothing wrong with the collections she’s turned out for Gucci and there are more than a few things quite right about them. Let’s face it, she’s done wonders for their accessories collections (read: ca-ching, ca-ching) since she’s been there.

That said, I do miss those hyper-sexed up looks that channeled the maneater in every woman — and that says more about me than it does about either Ford or Frida.

Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2008 collection was all about the yin and yang – the feminine and masculine, the black and the white. Giannini sent out monochromatic prints in different silhouettes – full skirts, floor-length columns, and sexy minis – often accented with sparks of sunny yellow or bright pink. My favorite of these black and white looks is a mini with bustle hips and a canary yellow flower centered at the bodice. What I’m still on the fence about are the tough-girl plaids. The cropped plaid jackets and skinny pants work in some looks and in others…not so much.

Giannini also remixed the very successful Gucci “Indy” bag (again) although so far none of her changes trumps the lizard or the ombre versions, both of which I L-O-V-E. Her strength has always been in her accessories and I have no doubt that the ankle cuffed stilettos, open toe booties with V-cut insteps, and large clutches with wristlets will be a hit.