Thursday, January 26, 2012

Paris Couture Fashion Week 2012

Paris Haute Couture Week 2012 officially opened it's doors on Monday to world class designers and stunning supermodels, displaying an array of exquisite clothes. This is an updated view of some of the most impressive collections. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Versace
 Donatella sent a small group of Glamazons down the Versace Haute Couture runway for the the first time in 8 years. Glistening dresses seemed to be moulded onto the models, with sculpted corsets, extended hip flounces and rounded strapless necklines. Subtle metallics paled in comparison to the striking shades of tangerine, yellow and lime. High pony tails and smokey eyes completed the glam-warrior looks. I wished for more pizazz, less shine.

Chanel
Azure skies to starry nights - every shade of blue was represented at Chanel's 2012 Couture showing. Models in faux mohawks and fascinators walked down the aisle, set to look like the inside of an airplane. Tweed dress suits in powder blue, drop-waists and pocket seamed shifts with high cuffed necks, a scattering of blue sequins that shimmered like the sun on an ocean wave. Longer length gowns were displayed in midnight blue and the palest shade of blue chiffon. A couture take on air hostess outfits - if only!

Giambattista Valli
 The Giambattista Valli Couture show expressed sensual femininity: cream and black sheer lace dresses, petal-smothered skirts, sequins, satin and bows. I can picture someone like Olivia Palermo in the feathered frock, pictured second on the top row. Splashes of raspberry red, plum and fuchsia stole the scene with billowy evening gowns. Models wore elaborate floral headpieces, cohesively fitting in with the summery floral print gowns.

Christian Dior 
 Christian Dior's Haute Couture collection brings forth vintage-inspired shapes, from the swanky 50's to the more opulent Victorian era. A-line dresses were embroidered with floral designs, while pencil skirts were seen in houndstooth and grid prints. There was an interesting juxtaposition of 'heavy' sheerness. Layers and layers of see-through tulle were skillfully constructed into dramatic gowns with sizable skirts. Ruffles are certainly having a moment.

Armani Privé
Blue was to Chanel as green is to Armani this Couture season. Viridescent shades of green illuminated the striped catwalk, bringing with it chic reptilian-like jackets over mesh shirts and folded silk skirts. The under-the-sea extravaganza continued with a blinding neon gown rolled in sequins, graphic prints unfolded to reveal an inner black bodice, multi-layered mermaid gowns wrapped to resemble seaweed and a conspicuous shade of chartreuse which will ensure that this is an Armani range to be remembered.

Stephane Rolland
Stephane Rolland's Couture collection is one of my favourites from all featured in this post. Because he reimagined the basics, creating avant-garde designs and innovative silhouettes. Exaggerated origami-folds, geometric cut-outs, gold metal panelling, unfurling ruffles and architectural shapes. He chose to express these spectacular designs using a simple colour palette of black, white, red and lime green (which has been quite popular so far). Beautifully draped gowns swept the floor in silk jersey, gazar and organza. A masterful collection with an aura of confidence and allure.

Valentino
There was a feeling of regal antiquity surrounding Valentino's Spring Couture collection. If modern monarchy existed today as it did in the 18th century, I can imagine that this is what real-life princesses would wear. Prim white-to-ivory knee-length dresses, woven from the finest cotton and latticed lace. Feathery light floral frocks, demure as can be with high-frilled collars and sheer organza sleeves. A range that charms with it's maidenly grace.  


Zuhair Murad
Zuhair Murad's Couture collection is 'glitzy as charged' for Spring 2012. Extravagantly beaded gowns were dipped in champagne golds and varnished metallics. Black floral embroidery was starkly contrasted with nude-tone slips, while hourglass-enhancing silhouettes were shaped to perfection. Crystal-embellished gowns featured plunging necklines and tails of tulle. It's luxury meets sensuality. I can see many a country-singing-star lapping this one up.

49 comments:

little luxury list said...

The colors and cuts at Giambasti Valli are stunning!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

Molliee said...

omg all of this is just stunning! I wish I could see it live!

Angel said...

wipes drool...

Joanne Reinhardt said...

Amazing post! All these looks are so gorgeous!

xoxo, H
http://givemeglamourplease.blogspot.com

Alena: Oh, Its Just Perfect! said...

My vote is for Chanel! Fabulous colors and details. Great round-up of Fashion Week!

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

Chanel is stunning as always!

tres chic chica said...

What a great line from Stephane Rolland! I want every single dress. The Versace metals are amazing! Great post Sam!! xoxo

http://nyorkeratheart.blogspot.com

Elle Sees said...

thanks for sharing all of these amazing collections!

stylenuggets said...

I like the way you broke down the collections into various colours.

Leslie Quiros said...

Chanel was so beautiful mostly because of that amazing theme.. just perfect!\
xo,
LMQ

Kassi said...

It's not a surprise to me that I am in love with the Chanel and Dior lines - I've always admired their classic styles with a twist. The Armani Prive is soooo gorgeous too!

http://theclosetintervention.blogspot.com/

Rahul Bhatia said...

Sam this one post is equivalent to an FTV serial:)

Fashion Pad said...

OMG! I am enamored with Chanel and Dior...HAUTE!!!

Preity Lama Tamang said...

all amazing design house and drool worthy collection!! but i must admit no one does haute couture like Dior and Chanel!!
xx

iconoclasp said...

These are all amazing. I got shivers. Love Rolland's plunging neckline white gown...!

Cinnamon and White Chocolate said...

OMG! Those dresses are amazing! I don't know what to pick as my favourite, maybe Armani...:)

Chandana said...

I liked Armani.. even the Dior gowns!

♥ www.thegirlatfirstavenue.com

Janine / Being Brazen said...

LOVe the Chanel and Dior

The Fashion Diaries said...

omg all these photos are so interestind amazing! I love the Armani green collection and also Giambattista Valli, Chanel and Dior! perfect :) check out my new post honey! You'll discover what I wore in the preview of yesterday :D xoxo

Ember Drake said...

Wow at Dior! I love the vintage style gowns - especially the very last one!

Stunning collections so far!

Em
x

http://emberdrake.blogspot.com

Style Servings said...

Great overview, was a great way to catch up! I especially loved the Giambattista Valli collection, so pretty!

http://styleservings.blogspot.com/

hope in high heels said...

I think Rolland is stunning - couture for the modern day woman. Valli would have to be my second favourite - love the colours and textures. Oh, and Dior - I like the old style ball gowns with really modern graphics. Fabulous post as always!

Denise said...

So many beautiful gowns!!! Dior has some that are exactly the way I like skirts to be! Chanel too! I loved some red dresses, you know how much I love red! I am really considering copying some of these gorgeous dresses - of course, in a humble way, but it will do! I love to wear ethereal skirts and dresses!!!!

Purvi said...

I am itching to shop :) :)

bohemian vanity said...

Amazing dresses and so inspirational ! XOXO

Teresa said...

Chanel is my fave as always :) i'm impressed by Stephane designs as well!!! also, the first row of Armani looks is edgy.. like it!!!!

xx
teresa
www.trend-ish.com

Daniella said...

Wow i love this post!!! These looks are incredible!! I have to say my favourites are the Armani Privé collection and Chanel!! Chanel's collection is almost to amazing to put into words,the beautiful detailing,the textures,the silhouettes,the colour pallet is absolute genius!! Armani Privé has a more refined and modern feel and in such a refreshing colour pallet!

Really enjoyed this post my dear,Thank you :)

Take care,Daniella xox

Victoria West said...

These collections are stunning!

Fashion-Bridge said...

My favs are Chanel, Dior & Valli! Loving the 20-ies vibe in Chanel collection, all those shift dresses...Dior's collection is gorgeous! Very classical for the fashion house I think. And Giambattista Valli is a genius! I'm in love with ALL gowns!

Xx

Alexandra

www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings said...

I agree with you! The Stephane Rolland collection is my favorite of the group, although they're all obviously amazing in their own right! ;) Thanks for sharing pics...I hadn't seen them yet.

Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

Dearest Lou said...

So many beautiful gowns! But Armani would def. have to be my favorite (; I just found your blog and I'm so happy I did I love it! Please check out my blog and follow me back if you like it (;

xo your newest follower
dearest-lou.blogspot.com

Jelena Zivanovic said...

Magnificent collections, but Dior and Valli are definitely my favorites this time!! Have a lovely day dear!!
kisses

Jelena
glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited about Paris Couture Fashion Week. Of course my favorite is Chanel but all of them especially Versace, Dior and Prive are phenomenal!!!

http://stylespotlighted.blogspot.com

Judith said...

Aah, love the Fashion Week in Paris.. great dresses! :)

Rolled Up Pretty said...

Aw! LOVE that short yellow dress, SO CUTE! Okay Sam thank you so much for the sweet comment on our baby news last week. You are the best! :)

Sara C. said...

What really got me is the way Chanel comb the hair: i love the electro cho kind of way!
Have a nice day

Sara C.

Lipgloss Kisses said...

Oooh love the clothes from Versace, Dior and Valli. ♥

hautepinkpretty said...

gorgeous collections! Love all the colors <3

Alexandria said...

love dior's collection the most.

great post!

http://alexandriajz.blogspot.com/

Hope Adela Pasztor said...

I love the Christian Dior ball gowns! =)

pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com

Gayatri said...

I love all things Chanel but that Red Dior gown is stunning. Ohhhh so much lust at the moment!

Unknown said...

OMG! Wow such amazing collections! My favourites are: Versace, Valentino and Zuhair Murad!

xxx

Gabi said...

chanel is still my favorite.
great collections.
bye!

Alina said...

Wow...amazing!

Unknown said...

Amazing collections!!!

Miu said...

I like the Armani Privé collection best!

Marianna said...

hhey sam sorry for not stopping by your blog for a while, my computer is completely messed up and it wouldn't work again so i lost contact with the blogging world which is the worst thing ever for a blogger.
i personally adored the dior collection, it was impeccable and although not my style everything single outfit grabbed my attention. however i was highly dissapointed by chanel this year.
hope u are doing well, hun, see you.

LaTasha Bunting said...

I love Versace, Giambattista Valli, Christian Dior, and Zuhair Murad collections! They are AWESOME! Lovely post!
Sincerely,
LB
x0x0x0x

Pooja Mittal said...

Valenteno is d best fir me..
Keep in touch
www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com