Paris Fall Couture Week 2012 - Part 1

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2012-13
Part One

It doesn't get any better than couture week in Paris. All the top designers, famous faces, beautiful models and fashion that sets our imagination alight. This is my coverage of Paris Couture Fashion Week Fall 2012, which takes place all this week.

Versace

For her Fall 2012 Couture Collection, Donatella does what Versace is best known for - a swanky mix of sexiness and femininity, chiseled into shapes that pay virtue to the female form. A candy colour palette of pinks, oceanics and a zesty splash of lime was seen across an unusual blend of fabrics and a visually intriguing tarot-card print. Ultra-short mini's are tightly wound in strips of PVC, silk, mesh and leather. Crystal-beaded corseted dresses with daring slashes spilt into billowy silk chiffon skirts, baring intrepid high slits reminiscent of that Versace dress Angelina Jolie wore to the Oscars. Expect many more similar big red carpet moments from this outstanding collection.

Christian Dior

The pressure was on at the House of Dior as Raf Simons presented his first showing for the renowned French brand. It was a stunning debut for the Belgian designer, as he encapsulated all that is Dior; vintage and modern, elegant and distilled with the right balance of colour and composure. The peplum was given the royal treatment, worn over cigarette pants. Metallic belts further enhanced the hourglass figure, while ladylike dresses were delightful in subdued pinks, ivory and blue, strapless with pocketed A-line skirts.

After the calm, came a vivid colour wash of reds, yellow, cerise pink and navy blue. The traditional ballgown was given a facelift, some with a more contemporary mid length, others in voluminous tulle and floor-length skirts cut down the middle to reveal chicly tailored trousers. Paint-splattered silk and delicate embroidery enriched the beautiful designs. Besides for the inspiring outfits, it was the blazing orange lipstick and neon lined eyes that created a beauty buzz.

Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli's Couture collection leaves one in a dreamlike spin where empyrean gardens come to life in a splendor of colour and dazzling florals. A romantic shade of red and earthier green were the basis for the exquisitely printed organza and wispy chiffon. A profusion of intricately appliquéd flowers adorned the expertly crafted gowns, while high-collared necklines, shoulders and sweeping skirts were amplified by an eruption of flowery ruffles. Neatly defined waists and more fitted bodices acted as an equipoise to the palatial looks. This bewitching range blurs the line between reality and a woodland phantasm.

Chanel

Hot off his impressive Resort 2013 showing, Karl Lagerfeld sugarcoats the classics for Chanel this Fall. The tweed dress suit made iconic by Coco Chanel herself is one that never seems fade with time, it only gets better. This season, it is reinterpreted with tulle ruffle cuffs and belted waists, in a pretty patchwork of pink, lilac and grey. Evening wear appeared in glossy silks, with elegant layering and shredded tulle sleeves, 3D camellia-covered gowns and luxurious printed maxi dresses. The sweet pastel and vanilla looks were accessorized by shiny grey lurex tights, metallic silver sleeves, vouguish beréts and cap-toe pumps.

What are your thoughts on the Couture collections so far?