PRADA’S recent fall 2008 show had a legion of models walking down a spiral runway in lace ensembles of black, brown, bronze, silver and pale blue.

Lace was certainly all the rage. Miuccia Prada was said to have spotted a piece of lace in her studio and after ignoring it for a while, she got a burst of inspiration and used it for practically an entire collection.

How’s that for a mood swing? A little dark, a little fetishistic and a whole lot of edge. I’d say that pretty much sums up the mood of this season’s best dress looks.

Local label Freeway has also adopted the lace craze in its latest collection, modeled by muse Anne Curtis. Look for vampy lace dresses in black, which are uber-sexy, especially with the right accessories. To add some tough-girl balance to the lacy days, don some rounded studs, grommeted accessories and metallics.

Freeway describes its latest ensembles as “punk chic”—very sultry and edgy, with dresses playing with silhouettes and textures. The chic comes in the silhouette and the punk in the details.

For a more sophisticated appeal, layer a tailored blazer over a satin bubble dress. And by all means, experiment with black tights with hemlines that go up the knee. Opaque tights are definitely a must-have for the holiday season!

Geometric prints are also making a splash. One template for this look is Akris’ pre-fall 2008 collection—a beautiful array of colors inspired by photographs of Icelandic landscapes, a graphic-art palette of slate, taupe and storm blue.

Freeway’s own avant-garde statement this season is a tube satin dress with cut and color blockings.

Lastly, knits. The chunky knit sweater is a good alternative to the traditional jacket. For a chic silhouette, try pairing lighter colored knits with a long dress cinched at the waist, plus opaque black tights.

Email the author at jfashion@gmail.com.