Monday, January 30, 2012

Best of Spring Couture 2012

Ah Spring Couture, in between the Pre-Fall, Resort and Fall lines falls Spring Couture. In France Haute Couture  is protected by LAW. In order to be a member, and therefore allowed to use the label Haute Couture, Fashion Houses must mete these requirements: 

  • Design made-to-order for private clients
  • Have a workshop in Paris with at least 15 fulltime employees
  • Each season (Spring/Fall) present a collection to Paris Press with at least 35 looks for daytime and evening wear. (Wikipedia Article Haute Couture)

Little known fact, Project Runway's Season 3 designers were required to apply for Haute Couture status during their trip to Paris where they each made a couture gown in a few days. 
Here are the top looks from Spring:





French designer Alexis Mabille.



Bouchra Jarrar



Chanel, cha-mazing.




 

I was a little disappointed by Dior's first looks which were clearly still vibe-ing off "Mad Men". But my disappointment disappeared once these frocks came out.


Christophe Josse


Giambattista Valli 



On Aura Tout Vu, meaning it will all be seen in French, this last piece reminds me of The Hunger Games, Catching Fire Mockingjay dress- obsessed.


Stephanie Rolland


Monday, January 23, 2012

Strolling in Paris

In anticipation of Paris' Fall Fashion Week 2012, I've collected some of my fav. personal shots of the city. Enjoy the results of my Paris strolls!







Friday, January 20, 2012

Resort Loving

Resort was originally intended as a time for Fashion houses to sell new styles to the fabulous jet'setters in the Winter/early Spring season. The clothes were intended for those able to afford a vacation from the winter doldrums to sunny happiness. While Resort isn't necessarily a "runway" showing, its importance in fashion has grown to runway proportions! Previously I've covered Chanel's India-chi Pre-Fall, below I've collected my favorite pieces from  Resort 2012 in anticipation of the upcoming Spring 2012 shows in Paris! Je ne peux pas les attendre! I can't wait!





Alexander McQueen is one of my top three houses, unlike the Spring/Fall runway shows McQueen's Resort collection is a little scaled down and somewhat "subdued" and the Rose Gold dress is stunning, you can expect to see that worn by a celebrity to a big event!




Balmain, always sexy and edgy.



I love Celine for their chic French simplicity and Phoebe Philo-you could say I'm a Philo-maniac-but would it kill these girls to smile? Smirk? Anything!


C is for Chic, Confident and CHLOE. Chloe has long since been the Fashion Pre-requisite for Couture College seeing the likes of Phoebe Philo, Hannah MacGibbon, Stella McCartney, and the KARL LAGERFELD. Needless to say, if you can make it at Chloe, you're on your way to fashion fame and adoration. The current artistic director is Clare Waight Keller who worked alongside Burberry's Christopher Bailey at Gucci, and brought back Pringle of Scotland to the fashion front lines. Keller keeps alive the tradition of chic, feminine style at Chloe. 


Vionnet, the House founded by Madeline Vionnet the "Architect among Dressmakers". French born Vionnet introduced the bias cut to fashion, Vionnet is considered one of the most influential designers of the 20th century by most fashion history enthusiasts. The House of Vionnet maintains her love of grecian style silhouettes and glamour.


 YSL's Resort was a nod to Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's, with the trenchcoat theme and classic cuts. So fabulous and sexy at the same time.

You've probably noticed I left out one of my top faves: CHANEL. I'll be honest, Heir Lagerfeld really let me down. Chanel's Resort was not up to par with my tastes, and struck me as bland and boring. Le sigh, at least I can expect a phenomenal Fall 2012 collection in February!