Couture Coverage: Fall 2011

VALENTINO

This collection showcased a more sophisticated side to the usually ballerina pretty label. blazers, crisp colors and decadent details were showcased.

JEAN PAUL GAUTIER
Known for over the top whimsy and naturalistic effects, Gaultier brought his A game to couture once again. Birds feathers, sultry femme fatale, and major volume were showcased.

GIAMBATTISTA VALLI

Otherworldly extravagance mixed with lady-like quality is Valli's expertise. Sleek hair/makeup, luxurious white, 3D details, and animal print were showcased.

ELIE SAAB

The reigning Red Carpet designer powerhouse, Elie Saab loves a good sparkle and flow to his princess gowns. Monotone looks, lace details, short sleeve dresses, and sheerness were showcased.

CHANEL
Karl Lagerfeld has been throwing out somber glam collections lately, and this couture one was no exception. Fitted jackets, heavy fabrics, round hats, and trademark patent toe boots were showcased.

AZZEDINE ALAIA
Bold luxury and timeless clothing describe Azzedine Alaia's design aesthetic. Snakeskin, feathers, short hems, booties, and tiers of layers were showcased.

ALEXIS MABILLE

A couture front-runner, Mabille loves to play with dark glamour mixed with fun whimsy. Large quail feathers, velvet and lace, Peter Pan tights, and severe animistic style were showcased.

(photos: style.com)

Couture Coverage: Fall 2010

It was in the details during the Couture fashion shows. Everything from luxurious fabrics, to over-the-top accents, to TDF shoes rocked the catwalk. Here are some looks from my favorite shows:

VALENTINO

Bows, feathers and wispy flower details were everywhere in this collection. I adored the drop waist party dresses and the bow kitten heels. It looks like pointy shoe heels are finally making a comeback! Even the gloves the models wore had bow accents:).

CHANEL

While I'm not a huge fan of Chanel's clothes (they're just not my style), I loved the accessories and metallic shine in this show. Signature pieces like pencil skirt suits and jackets of course made the runway, but they were reinvented and made more modern. I liked how the boots came in different styles and matched the outfits. Very high class and glamorous; what else would you expect from Chanel??

ELIE SAAB

OMG I absolutely fell in love with this collection! Elie Saab is one of my favorite designers to begin with, but he topped his games this time with amazing gowns that should be hitting the red carpets to come. All the jeweled details, airiness and great shapes in the dresses would make any woman look and feel beautiful. I can't wait to see which celeb wears one of these pieces first!

ARMANI PRIVE

I classify this collection as the 70s glamour girl. I loved the wood accessories and hard structured bags (very classic). All the models who weren't already blond wore blond wigs, styled in a glossy side swept way. The colors were very luscious and rich which made the whole collection seem prestigious and expensive (which it of course is!).

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER


In true Jean Paul fashion, his collection featured his infamous cone shapes and over the top style. It had a very old time elegance about the whole thing, featuring sixties makeup, silk turbans, dark moody garments, and parlor room feels. I loved how the show ended with the bride model playing the violin....very much a signature twist:)

CHRISTIAN DIOR


This collection was BY FAR my ultimate favorite. Being an avid flower lover, I lusted over all the bright colors, voluminous petal dresses, and whimsical hair and makeup. The whole thing reminded me of the scene in "Alice in Wonderland" where she meets all the talking flowers. For me the models were these visionary flowers, gorgeous and naturally elegant. And I must say, if I had a pair of those strappy vine like heels, I think I might be set for life!

(photos: style.com)

SpringCouture2010

Spring Couture 2010 brought us wild themes, color duos and luminescent hues. Here are some of my favorite looks from the runway.

(photos: style.com)

COUTURE COVERAGE

Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Givenchy, Christian Dior, & Armani Prive had stand-out collections at the recent Fall 2009 Couture shows in Paris. These pics are among my favorites from the designers! Over the top sparkle, strong shoulders, luxurious fabrics, and bold accessories stole the spotlight on the runway. Look for these trends to keep on growing:)

Credit: style.com