Spring 2011 Haute Couture

Couture Fashion Week was a feast for the eyes this season.  I think all of the Couture designers produced solid collections, but Armani Privé, Christian Dior, and Givenchy really dazzled.

ARMANI PRIVE
Best Armani collection in recent seasons, hands down.  I didn't know old Giorgio had it in him.  Armani looked into the future, producing sculptural dresses and separates that appeared to be made from molten metals.  The styling  really elevated the clothing--deep purple lips, domed hats, and liquid leggings with each look.  Please, please, Kate Blanchett wear one of these dresses to the Oscars.

CHRISTIAN DIOR
I'm a little biased here--Dior has always been my favorite couturier.  This collection was classic Dior, but presented in a fresh way.  John Galliano was inspired by fashion illustrator René Gruau, who did the illustrations for the house of Dior in the 40's and 50's.  His drawing techniques were well translated in each garment--a wash of watercolor became ombre effect tulle layering in a dress, cross hatches and ink blots became embroidery, brush strokes were transformed into a feathered headpiece.

 

GIVENCHY
This collection's detailing was phenomenal--elaborate beading, embroidery and tiny feathers adorned each dress.  Riccardo Tisci is a master of subtly mixing the Gothic, Victorian, and futuristic into his work and producing unique clothing.  The collection was inspired by a Japanese dancer and robots, which was not so subtly referenced in the headgear.  Nearly every dress in this collection gets the "Most Coveted Wedding Dress" award.

Must Watch: Prada Spring Ad Campaign

This has to be the first time that I have seen models dancing in an ad campaign.  Miuccia Prada brought the zany to her Spring 2011 collection, so it is no surprise that her ad campaign is equally quirky and memorable.  Models Arizona Muse (one of my current favorites), Tati Cotliar, Kinga Rajzak, Zuzanna Bijoch, and Mariacarla Boscono flit around to Ratatat, styled exactly as they were for the runway show.  Mesmerizing.



I think I'm going to need those sunglasses.

Couture Week is Here!

Armani Prive Spring 2011 and Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011

The Spring 2011 Couture shows kicked off in Paris today, which means I have a full week of ogling exquisite draping, beading, and embroidery ahead.  It is the time of year when fashion kicks into high gear--the Pre-Fall 2011 shows are wrapping up, Menswear Fall 2011 just finished, Couture Spring 2011 is beginning, and we are 2 weeks away from the grand finale: Fall 2011 Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.  Buckle your seatbelts...

Seeing Red

Preen Pre-Fall 2011

As the Pre-Fall collections continue to trickle in, one color has provided a familiar thread:  RED.  And not just a red shoe here and a red shirt there, no, head-to-toe, in-your-face red.  Some designers chose to use a single tone for every piece, others went with a gradation, and others used clashing reds.  It sounds like the most garish look, but when styled correctly, it looks super cool and polished.  Case in point:

Albino, Alexander McQueen, and Diane von Furstenberg Pre-Fall 2011

Elie Tahari, Giambattista Valli, and Gucci Pre-Fall 2011



Luca Luca, Maison Martin Margiela, and Moschino Pre-Fall 2011

Nina Ricci, Oscar de la Renta, and Preen Pre-Fall 2011

Emilio Pucci, Stella McCartney, and Thakoon Pre-Fall 2011

Tibi, TSE, and Viktor & Rolf Pre-Fall 2011

Tomato and brick red are a winning combination.  I am dying to try this look out, but I don't own a single item of red clothing (??).  I need these pieces in my life, stat.

ASOS dress, $77.58 (asos.com) and Dolce Vita Valencia pumps, $210 (shopbop.com)

Topshop sweater, $70 (topshop.com) and skirt, $80 (topshop.com) and  Pour La Victoire boots, $181.50 (shopbop.com)

 Equipment blouse, $188 (shopbop.com) and Juicy Couture skirt, $198 (neimanmarcus.com)

 

Topshop jacket, $145 (topshop.com), Whistles pants, $189.64 (asos.com) and Alexander Wang boots, $575 (shopbop.com)