Couture Week A/W 12

Some more from couture week that I have not blogged about individually!

Giambattista Valli

Florals were the main element again along with ruffles and peplums. The dresses had the same silhouette as Dior with the slim top and the volume on the bottom. The colours really echoed a ‘secret garden’ with greens, reds and hints of blacks making appearance which made it feel very A/W.  It felt like the collection was a walking garden with them looking like roses and trees. The finest touch had to be the butterflies on the models lips which made it felt like we had captured the moment they had landed.

 

Givenchy

It’s all in the detail. Inspired by a gypsy world and "the pure lines of the Sixties" gave this collection a rich feel. Heavily embroidered and fringed edges in a mixture of silk and leather added to the luxurious feel. It all looks so intricate and hand crafted to a tee.

Giorgio Armani

Pastels under the moonlight. The colour palette of midnight blue and pink mixing it with contrasting shades added to the moody feel. Along with the contrasting colours fabrics were contrasted with the mixture of velvet and silk shimmer going on. The dresses added a midnight sparkle to the evening affair.

Couture Week A/W 12 - Chanel

New Vinatge. Coco Chanel is back. Set in a conservatory with wicker chairs it screams Parisian Chic.

Chanel returned to its roots this morning using the elegant and feminine shapes that it is renowned for. With trousers suits and tweed taking centre stage means Chanel was onto a winner. Using classic elements from Chanel’s peak in the 20s teamed with modern playful twists means the Chanel customer is getting everything they desire. If only Jackie Kennedy was still here to witness these classic designs she loved. 

The colour palette of lilac and pink, grey and black really contrasted the Lurex shine within the collection. Oversized jackets, floor length evening dresses and kaftan style influences were the key pieces. Florals have been added in using prints and taffeta shaped pieces which are dainty and delicate. Added to the mix was a dress with pink pom-poms on which added to the playfulness of the collection. The final piece was a floor length wedding style dress adorned in feathers. A bit of a risky feature at the end as it looks like something from Swan Lake but then again its Chanel..so anything goes!

Couture Week A/W 12 - Dior

Dior. The most highly anticipated show of the year. With Raf Simons, the new creative director of Dior debuting his first collection all eyes were on him. The setting was familiar to his farewell from Jil Sander with flowers taking pride of place. Each of the rooms were full of flowers ranging from roses to orchids in hues of blues, whites, yellows and pinks.

The show opened with tuxedo jackets and cigarette pants in which I bet a few people questioned as this is meant to be couture. The collection was minimalist with a feminine structure to it. Of course Raf kept Dior historic references flowing with the use of pockets within the collection.

The collection had a mixture of outfits from cigarette pants, peplum tops to embroidered bustier dresses. More strapless gowns were apparent with cinched in waists and pockets. These gave the impression of ball gown glamour in which had been modernised for this era. The colour palette was soft and pale with blues, pinks and neon kicks which mirrored the flowery setting.  Simons had certainly kept the Dior band alive. Now I cannot wait for next season! My favourite piece has to be the strapless ball gown embellished with flowers. Truly stunning and timeless!

Couture Week A/W 12 - Versace

Last night was the start of couture fashion week. First to show was Versace who have not shown couture since 2004. (Ok I didn’t actually mean for that to rhyme!).
After last seasons structured studded pieces this time it went a whole lot softer. With lilacs, gold’s and pinks it was more feminine and sexy with the odd kick from bright green. The dresses were corseted with elements of chainmail which is the norm for Versace but this time it was much more updated with flowing chiffon and the flashes of leg. Also the gladiator elements from the men's show has been incorporated within the sandals and waist belts. The whole collection excelled and definitely brought the feminine power which Versace excel at.

usually borderline trashy for me but this collection seems to prove me wrong. I think the muted pastel colour palette and the flowing chiffon make it seem a whole lot more 'ladylike' than it should suggest. Maybe it's also because the chainmail, tacky scarf print is less easy to see!