Fall 2011 Couture
The Couture shows in Paris always evoke images of sumptuous frivolity for me, I imagine Marie Antoinette as the original Couture It Girl (think Sophia Coppola’s 2006 picture – whatever the film’s critics had to say – the colors, scenery, costumes and settings were sublime). And luckily for us, this year’s shows did not disappoint.
Paris’s Fall 2011 Couture shows took place last week and between the gloriously decadent shows were the usual dinners, parties and openings attended by European jet-setters, fashion insiders, A-listers and Hollywood elite.
Alexis Mabille may have had one of the most unusual (and furred and feathered) muses of the season, taking as his theme the animal fables of La Fontaine. The gowns were adorned with feathers, lace, velvet and fur.
Armani took Japan as his major influence and while he shows some great pants-based looks, I loved how the pale watercolor florals of this sweeping sheath gown complimented the one of a kind Philip Treacy hat.
The 25 look collection presented by Azzedine Alaia was his first couture show in 8 years and ended with a standing ovation. And with looks like this one, who can blame the stunned audience. One guest was even quoted saying: "There's everyone else. Then there's Alaïa."
The Chanel show was all about the tweed suit and while some of the silhouettes may not have been the most wearable, there was a hint of Coco in each and every one. This suit turned gown with an almost ombre color scheme and fingerless gloves was my favorite, it definitely stood out in a predominately dark hued collection.
- My favorite part of the Chanel show? The lacy black barely there masks worn throughout. Ooh la la!
Everyone's favorite fairy god-father did not disappoint this season, Elie Saab showed a gorgeous collection of gowns and cocktail frocks. And while I adored the navy blue gowns, dripping in sequins and lace, this sugary sweet fairytale dress caught my eye. Can't you just imagine Siri Tollerod skipping around a wildflower strew meadow as a nymph from Greek legends?
The Givenchy show was everything I've ever loved about couture. A handful of extraordinarily time-consuming to produce pieces with unbelievable detail and a mix of patterns and fabrics and textures. Even the most jaded of modern consumers would be hard pressed to look at Riccardo Tisci's vision and see anything less than works of art.
Jean Paul Gaultier has built a legacy on producing shocking and provocative runway shows, and this year's retrospective touched on some of his memorable presentations over the years, all with just a touch of Black Swan.
The Valentino show was the perfect mix of fantasy and reality, a collection that combined the delicate gowns of every girl's red carpet dreams and some ornate, but wearable, outerwear and extras. And while gowns in Valentino-red made an appearance, this look really caught my eye. I love the shade and fabric of the coat, the buttons and neckline and the dreamy, far-away look on the model's face.
I love the creamy colors and relaxed lines of these separates (Anne Valerie Hash), especially the top with the slightly ruffled sleeves & dainty buttons.
Bouchra Jarrar's collection was primarily black, white and dove grey, with striking splashes of cobalt blue. I'm a big fan of suits, so I love it when a designer shows interesting or unique details like the neckline on this cropped jacket.
Bill Gaytten for Christian Dior. Holy overkill Batman!
I love the lines and exquisite simplicity of this frock, embellished perfectly at the hem, neckline, sleeves and waist. Floral applique pumps are the perfect finishing touch.
Chanel Resort Wear 2012
“Too much may not be enough.” These words, uttered by Karl Lagerfeld after the show, seem to sum it up perfectly.
– The backdrop? Hotel du Cap, in Antibes on the French Riviera, one of the most exclusive and expensive hotels in the world.
– The cast? All the big names from the past few seasons, Abbey Lee, Siri Tollerod, Jac, Natasha Poly, Karlie Kloss, Stella Tennant, Karolina Kurkova and Lily Donaldson, to name a few.
– The jewels? Real, darling. Of course.
– The front row? A-list fashionistas only, Blake Lively, Rachel Bilson, Alexa Chung, Vanessa Paradis, Clemence Posey, Laura Bailey and Poppy Delevigne among them.
The Chanel Resort 2012 collection began with slim, smart suits in yellow, lilac and cream, followed by black and white swimwear, cover-ups and dresses, and finally summery, hippie frocks and gowns.
While the wearability of the shin-guard inspired thong sandals is questionable, I thought that overall the show was lovely. In another life, far, far away, I can just see myself walking lazily along the water in one of these black and white swim suits, a gauzy white wrap thrown over my shoulder, or swirling regally around a ballroom in one of the crystal encrusted gowns. Right.
And the fashion didn’t stop there, off the runway the stars watched Karl’s masterpieces in their own stylish ensembles.
Clemence Posey looked adorable in a sunny dress (reminiscent of the blue one worn by Emma Roberts at the fall Chanel show) and gold heels.
Who wears short shorts? Too cute Rachel Bilson, who donned micro leather shorts, a boyfriend blazer and crocheted white top.
Blake Lively looked gorgeous and summery in a chic black and white Chanel ensemble, including a tiny skirt and sequined blazer.
Moi Contre La Vie 