02.02.2011- Paris is burning

I've only just caught up on the Spring 2011 Couture presentations from Paris, and some of the shows (Elie Saab in particular) were stunning. I couldn't help but feel a little bit let down by Chanel, but kudos to King Karl for sending his ensemble of models down the runway wearing flats, striking a blow for high heel phobes like me everywhere (although this may be a little bit of an exaggeration on my part!) Here are my Spring 2011 Couture favourites:

Dior:

 John Galliano's elegant designs heavily reference the famous shapes and lines of Dior's 'new look' and were presented in a range of colours, from vibrant reds to ethereal sky blues and dove greys. Hair and makeup styling also paid homage to the 50's inspiration behind the collection. 

Valentino

A romantic collection from the design team at Valentino, comprising of sheer fabrics, lace details and pleated lines. Although the colour palette here is quite muted and neutral, I think the pale pinks, shimmering silvers and crisps whites are perfect.

 Elie Saab

Red carpet prince Elie Saab became the undisputed King of Couture in Paris, showcasing a collection of exquisite gowns which are beautifully cut and intricately detailed. I love everything about this collection and can't wait to see how many of these designs make their way on to the Oscar's red carpet later this month.

What did you think of the Spring Couture collections? Which shows were your favourites?

(Image credit: style.com.)

23.07.2010- Fall 2010 Couture

I've only just caught up on the couture shows after being away, but remember vaguely hearing about Chanel's giant lion, another opulent installation at the Grand Palais created at the behest of Karl Lagerfeld. I can't say I was bowled over by Chanel's Couture presentation, but as a statement of the power of the label and achievement of stage design, the lion itself was very impressive.

Chanel 

As I've already said, I was a little underwhelmed by this collection as a whole; in particular I found some of the shapes very perplexing! However, a few pieces stood out, particularly the intricately embellished dresses in cream and camel, and I love the red lipstick. 

Valentino

 Again, I love the embellishments on the dresses, and the neutral tones. 

Elie Saab

Filled with gorgeous glittering golds, this was a really beautiful collection. 

Givenchy

 My favourite collection of the week. To me, this is what Couture is all about; opulence, luxury and a little bit of fairy-tale magic. I love that Riccardo Tisci chose to present his pieces in this setting rather than show them on the runway, as the details really come to life against the elegant backdrop. Simply breathtaking. 

What did you think of the Couture collections? Which was your favourite?

(Image credit: style.com.)

15.03.2010- Paris, je t'aime.

Final fashion week post until September when the craziness will kick off in style once more, here are my Paris picks:

Alexander McQueen

 A truly luxurious collection, which stands as a tribute to and as the legacy of the unparalleled creativity and ingenuity of McQueen.

Miu Miu

 I really liked the way that this collection featured texture and the juxtaposition of the muted pastels with bright flashes of orange. 

Valentino

 Very understated pieces from the Valentino show, adore the scalloped hems and black on nude lace details. 

Chloé

Simple, clean and minimalist, this collection proved that less really is more. 

Chanel

 When I saw the first shots of the Chanel collection, I was horrified at the yeti style outfits which consisted a considerable proportion of the looks and thought that I would hate the rest of the collection. This then, proves that first impressions can be deceptive, as when I looked at the rest of the pieces, I found some more traditionally 'Chanel' looks later in the show that I just adored. Again, I really like the interesting use of texture in this collection, and the way that the classic monochrome aesthetic has been updated through styling the dresses with white woollen tights. 

Giles

 I adored this collection, with the 60's inspired styling and cute, feminine dresses. How amazing is the bag in the final shot? Want one!

Stella McCartney

Less is more for Stella, the elegance and sophistication of these pieces really shines through thanks to how simply they have been styled on the runway.

Celine

Beautiful lines, yet more minimalist chic.

Balmain

 Very much a continuation of previous Balmain collections, with the shoulder pad detailing and party perfect sequin dresses; the combination of lilac and gold is divine. And, as they say, if it ain't broke...

Balenciaga

 I really love the pastel hues in this collection, and the pieces feel both wearable and youthful. 

Christian Dior

Loved Dior, particularly the hair and make up and Galliano's use of colour, fresh, crisp tones and long lines give this collection a classic feel, nodding to the shapes of the 20's and 30's. 

So that's it! What were your favourites from Paris? And which shows were your favourites of all? 

(Image credit: style.com.)