Fashion compromises don't usually work. Take the kitten heel for example. It doesn't have the transformative superpowers of a killer heel, nor does it have the chic quality of the ballet pump. The midi-skirt, on the other hand, is one compromise that works.

After half a decade of thigh skimming dresses and a general obsession with showing skin, we're all over the mini. Even Balmain has moved on and considering that the brand has always been amongst the big supporters of all things mini, that's a big deal. The maxi has also served it's time, especially after the whole boho trend that never really went away, so the midi is the perfect balance.

It's been around for a while. Marc Jacobs was amongst the first to resurrect it back in 2010 with the Louis Vuitton fall show and ever since, everyone from Victoria Beckham to Dries Van Noten have championed the length. At Burberry this season it was all about showing the style on mixed fabrics like plaids and tweeds and Sarah Burton opted for tartan and leather on skirts and also tapped into the length on coats with strong cinched waists at McQ.

What these brands showed is that the midi length doesn't need to be stuffy. Granted, it's one of those trends that will catch on in the mainstream amongst the more mature woman, aka the women that still have money to splurge during this recession, but there are enough reworked pieces to keep everyone happy.

It was this image of Caroline Issa that convinced me ad fellow editors like Giovanna Battaglia, Taylor Tomasi Hill and Shala Monroque show just how versatile it is. So how to style it? Well if you're going for a polished look I'd do like Ashley Olsen and tuck your top in. As well as emphasising the waist, it also helps elongate the body, which, I'm sure, is music to the ears of anyone that doesn't have model length legs. For a more casual day look this season, team it with thick wool tights, hard wearing ankle boots, knitwear and a biker jacket to give it a tough edge.

If you're still undecided, just give it go. While it has very much been the maxi's underrated sister, the midi has slowly been gaining traction over the past few years so you can be rest assured that it'll have staying power.

See my picks after the jump

When Rihanna stepped out in this blue Emilio Pucci pyjama suit at a press call for her debut movie, 'Battlefield', she made a statement in two ways. Firstly, the singer's decision to sport the style on the red carpet showed that the trend that has been gaining pace and resonance over the past season has officially moved in the consciousness of the mainstream. More than anything else it proved that dressing, particularly for the red carpet, doesn't need to mean that comfort must go out of the window.

It's this feeling that Stella McCartney developed last season at her S/S12 show. After all, it was her relaxed silk pyjama styles that started the current fascination with the style. Since showing that collection brands like Balmain and Celine have tapped into it with their respective pre-fall collections and according to the Guardian, the high street are lapping it up too. Whistles, H&M and Topshop have all reported that the trousers are proving a hit in their stores and are selling out fast.

As someone who spends the majority of my writing time in comfortable clothes sat in my home office, the idea of working in something that felt as comfortable as pyjamas without being the real thing, was an instant draw. But the big question is how did this new found love for comfort happen especially in an industry where most women are glutton for punishment when it comes to their sartorial choices? After all, there is a reason why people are touting it as the most unlikely trend of the season. In my noble opinion I think it is a sign of big changes. A few years ago we were all in the thick of Balmain fever where everything was about the bling, the sequins, the shoulders and the equally garish and ultra mini dresses but over the past few season things have changed. With the economy as it is, our clothes are one thing that we can't afford to be restricted by or worry about and as McCartney continues to prove, comfort and fashion are not diametrically opposing notions. But that's not it. As many retailers have noticed, the great thing about them is that transcend generations. Unlike season past where the pieces would look strange on anyone above a size 10 and on beyond the tender 20s bracket, this look is resonating with women of all shapes and sizes.

So the only question now is will you sport the style this season?

See our favourite budget friendly and investment buys after the jump

Jonathan Saunders is the British press' wonderboy. Just when you think he couldn't top his last collection, he goes and does just that and where many designers failed to excite the fashion press at London Fashion Week this season, Saunders' collection was praised as the show of the week.

"It's lovely to feel supported," he told Vogue.com today at the launch of his collection for Matches. "Probably like most designers, I'm my own worst critic, but now I try to look at how the season performed; what sold, rather than focus on press coverage. When I was younger, I'd design one collection and then look at the reaction, but as you get older you become more humble; you listen to your customer and get to know her and what she wants. You learn it's not all about how you're perceived." He continued: "There are elements that I hope are always there in my work: the use of colour and pattern; an easiness to the shapes; an innovativeness; a femininity without being sexy-sexy - but the brand is evolving, definitely. I'm an ambitious person and I'd love to create a global brand."

What appears to be Alexander McQueen's last interview was conducted by Matches on Feb. 5, just six days before the designer died. The interview has a lighthearted tone, mostly with McQueen sharing his favourite places in London and discussing his business routine. Matches is running the full feature in its Spring/Summer 2010 magazine.

"I guess I am an East End boy at heart, although I think different areas of London have influenced different collections," McQueen said. With a spare hour in London, he said he'd "head to the Natural History Museum"; he also named pie and mash as his favourite food and admitted he was happiest at home with his dogs. In a traditionally self-effacing manner he said he'd never "like the idea of a statue of me."

McQueen, for being a thoroughly British boy, continued to show in Paris. "I love the heritage of the design houses and the fact that not just anyone can put on a show," he explained. As for business sense, he said "there has to be a balance between your mental satisfaction and the financial needs of your company," and added: "I always remember that it’s the fantasy, the artistic side, that makes customers want to buy the straightforward black pants."

Graziadaily.com

Acne, the denim turned lifestyle brand, has recently made an announcement that came as music to our ears: The Swedish brand will soon be launching its first London boutique. At present, London-based fans of the label can only pick up Acne pieces at Liberty, Matches, Browns and online; even though our American, Parisian and Australian counterparts have been lucky enough to already have the free-standing boutiques on their shores. The wait is almost over, as trendy Dover Street will soon become home to Acne's debut London concept store, which will be stocking Acne's Pop, Denim and Miniature collections, amongst others, as of this summer when Acne's boutique will open. Let the countdown begin...

In September, Anna Wintour came up with a global initiative, Fashion's Night Out, to stimulate spending, which in turn would go towards easing the difficulties caused by the global economic downturn. Kicking off on the first night of New York Fashion Week, fashion savvy shoppers were treated to free drinks and canapes as well as appearances from a mixed bag of celebrities. Here in the UK, stores such as Burberry, Matches, DKNY and Browns amongst others, played host to the likes of Lily Allen, Marios Schwab, Jonathan Saunders, Richard Nicoll, Pixie Geldof and Daisy Lowe to name but a few.

Due to the success of the inaugural event, Mayor Bloomberg and Vogue will be bringing Fashion's Night Out back again next year from the 9th September 2010, onwards. Anna Wintour confirmed that, "We were absolutely bowled over by the response to Fashion's Night Out. It was only fifteen minutes after the event began and we were getting reports about lines around the block at stores throughout the city...It was wonderful to see people embrace this initiative, and we are thrilled that they wish it to return." We are thrilled too and have already started planning how we will be able to attend the celebrations in multiple cities next year. We've already begun the countdown- only 311 days to go!

Image via Grazia 

Gwyneth’s long-awaited clothing collection has finally surfaced. Designed in collaboration with French company Zoe Tee's - which focuses on deconstructed silhouettes and feminine shapes – the range launched exclusively in British boutique Matches’ shop and online store on Thursday. Gwyn has created clothes that are typically her; taking the tactile comfort of jersey and enhancing it with flattering and sophisticated draping – a chic-comfort look that will suit women of all ages and shapes, not to mention being bang on trend.

“Gwyneth is looking so hot at the moment, so her collaboration with Zoe Tee's couldn’t have come at a better time,” Bridget Cosgrave, Matches’ Buying and Fashion Director, told Grazia. “The collection - which is exclusive to Matches - epitomises those fail-safe, easy pieces in sporty/luxe fabrics that you can wear comfortably from day to evening.”