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.)

26.01.2010- J'adore Couture.

Some of my favourites from Paris....

Chanel

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the combination of pale pastels with silver, which gives the whole collection a modern feel whilst retaining some antique detailing through integration of delicate lace, ruffles and embellishment. The dresses as standalone pieces are romantic and feminine, but when styled as they have been here with silver tights and space-age footwear, they take on a simultaneously tough yet ethereal dimension.

Armani Privé

 

Beautifully simple and understated, yet every bit as attentive to detail as the Chanel collection. Sophisticated, subtle and effortlessly elegant.

Christian Dior

 

 

 

John Galliano's Couture presentations for Dior are always the most theatrical of all of the shows, which is why I think I look forward to them the most. I love the historical feel that this collection has; the models look like they belong in a painting. For Galliano, Couture is not just about painstakingly creating a beautiful dress; he constructs a world and aesthetic in which his creations can live and breathe, filling the imagination and evoking a bygone era of decadence which we long to escape to. For me Galliano's work is what Couture is all about, escapism, nostalgia and fairy-tale magic.

(Image credit: style.com.)