Spring 2011 Couture Shows in Paris

One word to possibly sum up the Spring Couture 2011 shows is “regal”. Jean Paul Gaultier displayed a very chic and sophisticated look, with flapper headpieces and push wave hair styles, fusing a 1920’s look with a fierce 1970’s style. Totally keeping up with the 1920’s vibe he also added the quellazaire, (cigarette holder) that was used at that time “genius”. He showed his punk side by adding Mohawk hairstyles for some added flare. There was an appealing sexiness oozing from the fishnets and rips and tears of the couture ensembles. The fabric choice was dark satin and lace with slits and holes that made you feel compelled into the concept of this dark tale. Karl Lagerfeld, on the other hand, kept things very classic in the Chanel collection. The color palette had lots of beige, silver and pale pinks. Nevertheless, showing that definitive Chanel tweed look, that somehow never goes out of style. He managed to keep a simple boxy silhouette with most pieces, using blazers and skirts. One thing that made the looks more modern were the use of denim with a simple chic blazer, or even adding the sequin pants. The most captivating collection had to be the Christian Dior collection. This collection screamed old Hollywood, not straying too far from the classic New Look, John Galliano outdid himself with these bold looks. It was impeccably glamorous, with the bows, feathers and the overlaying of tuelle fabric. The ball-gown silhouette was even more chic with fabric billowing about the runway. Galliano will always show fashion, but he is very much theatrical. The make-up even had a certain Hollywood “something” with the pale porcelain doll faces and a red lip, showing that regal and opulence that we fashionistas love. On to Valentino, a more soft approach after the previous designer. Valentino had simple sheath dresses and also added a neutral color palette with nudes and pale colors. It was almost like a fantasy, the make-up was soft, and it looked as if the models could glide down the runway. Valentino really showed femininity and elegance with the floor-length gowns, and a hint of sensuality with cleavage and v-neck draping. The fabric choice was silk, chiffon and lace, which makes up all the best fabric choices for a princess collection. Last, but certainly not least Armani Prive, the electric collection. Armani Prive totally switched things up this spring season, making it more daring and different. Captivating us with the color-blocking 80’s “glam” looks, Armani lit up the runway with the bright hues of blue, red, green and other bright colors. For added panache he added hats that resembled armors added with shiny retro fabric. These collections were all very inspiring, and also showed the designers like for theatrics as well. Fashion will always begin and end in Europe, specifically Paris. We look to them for inspiration as we often have in the past. There is no fashion without Haute Couture, what would fashion be without it, where will it go, OR better yet… Who would we turn to for the beautifully crafted, sometimes unconventional, extremely expensive, made for the elite… FASHION, that will always captivate us, and turn the runway into a place where clothing has a mind of its own.