Favourites from Fall 2010 Couture Shows

It's that time of year again... with Fall 2010 couture shows in full swing, here are my favourite looks...

Chanel showed on Tuesday, and Karl, the Virgo, brought some of Coco's Leo energy.

The models centered around a golden lion, symbolizing Coco's birthday.  The collection itself is bold, dark and moody.  In rich, deep colours like navy, camel, maroon and aubergine, the drama reflects a Leo's tendency to crave attention and luxury.

Tapestry was accentuated by beaded and rich embroidery.  The silhouette is strong and reminiscent of a military uniform.  This dress in particular reminds me of Lucian Matis' Fall collection... proving that even Canadian designers are on the cusp of new trends.

This look evokes everything I love about fall.  Rich colours, details, and of course, boots.  The delicate cascade of floral tapestry is a beautiful detail and I love the off-shoulder look.  It's something you wouldn't expect from Chanel.

This coat is fabulous.  Drawing from the same technique as the dress above, this coat just screams "Fall in Russia".  The fur cuffs finish the sleeve, and this detail will show up a lot on coats this fall as well.

A Chanel show would never be complete without a nod to Coco's classic menswear aesthetic.  I love the bow tie and the 3/4 jacket.

I loved this collection for its innovation.  It breaks away from what is usually presented at a Chanel Couture show (think white, dramatic gowns) and shows a different side to the brand.  I didn't expect tapestries to be in, but I'm guessing that this was inspired from the screens of Coco's appartment in Paris.

Watch the Chanel show here.

John Galliano took a lighter approach to Fall with his Couture collection on Monday.

Dior definitely took a subversive route with this collection... presenting us with more "spring-like" looks.  I love the theatric quality these garments have and the great details.  Texture is a key element of any fall wardrobe (tweed, fur, wool, leather) and this collection definitely has it.  The colours don't evoke a Fall energy, but I think the palette is on trend.  As we've seen in the summer, neons and pastels are everywhere, and I think this will continue for the fall with accessories and bright hued tights.

The last Givenchy Haute Couture collection felt reminiscent of Lee McQueen's last presentation.

Ricardo Tisci was inspired by Frida Kahlo and her three qualities; sexuality, spirituality and the spine.  Kahlo suffered from spinal pain, and every detail in this collection drew from that.  Zipper pulls were little bones, and skulls and cross bones adorned the dresses.  The immense detail in these ten garments are overwhelmingly beautiful...

JPG + La Perla = LOVE

There are few things I can't live without, fashion and lingerie are at the top of that list.  Jean Paul Gaultier is one of my favourite designers, bringing drama and theatrics with his couture line and inventing the "sailor chic" look, as well as the iconic, conical bra made famous by her Madgesty (Madonna).  Many of his designs include intricate corsetry and lingerie details, but finally, there will be an official Jean Paul Gaultier lingerie collection.  Teamed up with lingerie powerhouse - La Perla no less.

I can't wait for this line to come out in november... I'm saving for it already.

Burberry launches unique campaign

Like every big-budget movie, fashion is riding on the 3D trend.  Burberry streamed their Fall Ladies' collection in 3D (but only to a select audience) earlier this year.  They are continuing with their venture in the third dimension by showcasing their 2010 Fall/Winter campaign in 3D.



Although this might be a gimmick to get money out of the public when seeing a movie, I think this is amazing for online content, especially in fashion and design.  People can get a 360 degree view of the clothes and get a sense of the texture and movement of the garments.  For most people, it will be as close as they will get to seeing a Burberry garment (such a tease...)  It gives the campaign energy, and is a groundbreaking move for the British fashion house. 

Burberry seems to be moving away from the staunchy (but classic and gorgeous) trench coats they are known for.  I can't wait for this to be launched.

Like a Rolling Stone.

Georgia May Jagger is one of my favourite up and coming models.  She's a sweetheart, and even chats with me via Twitter.  She is Rock and fashion royalty, and seems to have taken mom Jerry Hall's good looks, with a dash of Mick's swagger. 

In July's issue of Vogue China, Jagger was photographed by Max Vadukul.  This is the second set of editorials from the issue I have fallen in love with, it seems that the Asian editions of magazines are eclipsing North American and European mags in terms of styling, creativity and model star power. 

Georgia is styled by Nicoletta Santoro and these outfits can't help but make me feel nostalgic for school.  School-girl leggings and knee-highs paired with chunky knits scream collegiate to me, and I definitely hope to interpret this aesthetic into my fall wardrobe.

Those pink shoes are divine...and I guess the socks would alleviate blisters. 

Neon, Red Lips and Leopard Print

July's edition of Vogue China features Dree Hemingway shot by Ellen von Unwerth.  The photos are saturated and striking.  I love the styling, it reminds me of the eighties and definitely has an attitude. 

I'm a Bag Lady.

I've always had a softspot for the perfect handbag.  I've fallen in love many times with leather, straps, stitching and handsome hardware.  I love the feeling of a having a gorgeous bag on my arm: the weight of a satchel, hanging by the crook of my arm as I stroll along the street, letting the bag sway gently from side to side.  There is something powerful and magical about a handbag, and its ability to completely transform an outfit.  I am convinced that it's the most powerful accessory and will forever be a timeless staple in any woman's closet. 

Here are some models I have my eye on... and I admit, some can only be a mere fantasy.

The Rio Snakeskin embossed satchel has been the object of my desire for a long time.  I love it in this fuschia colour, but I think I might cheat on it with the cream python version from Fall 2010...did I mention it costs a little under $1,400?

The Ruched Petal Zip Satchel from Valentino ($2,695) is just divine.  I have a handbag similar to this style in a light purple, but I love the grey update for fall.  I love the way Valentino's bags are super girly but retain a simple elegance.  There isn't much hardware on this piece, but it proves that a bag doesn't need 20 pounds of hardware to be beautiful... It illustrates the sculptural qualities leather can have in the volume and movement of the rose petals.

This little number from Michael Kors is a piece I've had my eye on for sometime.  It has a classic "Birkin" shape, but without the Hermes pricetag.  The Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote is affordable at $298 and doesn't have the tacky "MK" tags that make it look cheap.  I'm usually not a fan of MK bags, but this one has a spot on my wishlist, especially in this colour for summer.

I've fallen in love with a Coach bag before... and I think it might happen again.  This morning, I got an email from them, stating that the Kristin collection (the series from which my Tiffany Box Blue bag came from) got updated in new colours and style.  I clicked the link, my heart racing.  I think I'm going to take a temporary separation from the turquoise bag... navy is my new love.

Unfortunately, this bag only comes in the large version, and at $498, it's pushing it.  I love the size of my other bag, and I don't think the price difference is worth the extra space.  Sometimes size doesn't matter in finding the perfect piece of arm candy.

Dior Resort 2011

There comes a time when a collection from a designer is perfect.  The 2011 resort collection from Christian Dior is no exception.  The collection was inspired by 60s French new wave... it just echoed the likes of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot for me, my three major style inspirations. 

Muses Marion Cotillard and Charlize Theron were in attendance for the show held in Shanghai.  It was Galliano's third trip to China, and he wasn't inspired by Oriental design for this Cruise show.  "I was just trying to recapture that excitement that was happening at that time in Paris, which is very similar to what is happening in Shanghai today," he said.

These white pants are divine. 

White lace... always a staple for me.  I would kill for that jacket.

I have a blazer that looks just like that.  I can't wait to pair it with a pair of thin black pedal pushers like they did here...

This is such a fun interpretation of a glam "I Dream of Jeannie".  Totally "practical", but whimsical and light.

I love this aquamarine gown.  It is airy and I love the silhouette with the belt at the waist.

This is pure fantasy.  No one can do Couture like Galliano.

The pieces are just lovely, evoking a ladylike, 60s spirit.  I wish people still dressed like this, the clothes are so well crafted and perfectly minimalistic.  I like to describe my own fashion palette as a mix of girlie, bows and retro, and this collection encapsulates what my dream wardrobe would look like.

See the full collection here.

The Best Fashion Interview I've ever read.

While browsing through Style.com today, I came across this interview by Dirk Standen, who interviewed Alber Elbaz, the current designer for French fashion house, Lanvin. 

"And I always say that doing a collection is almost like writing a book or making a movie, and I don’t know any other industry that can produce six movies a year by the same director. That’s the thing. You cannot write six books a year. You cannot produce six movies. You can’t do six collections a year. And I think this is actually what is making fashion be the way it is today. I know a lot of people complain that there is not enough change and that fashion in the past was much more creative than today, and I think a big part of this phenomenon is that we don’t have the time to think, we don’t have the time to project, we don’t have the time to digest. I’m not talking about, like, “Oh, we need to travel for inspiration,” because I do in fact believe that the best traveling you do is from your couch while you eat potato chips. But I think we just need the time to think and to look at it again and to have another perspective. " (Elbaz)

What a genius, his designs are breathtaking, his illustrations are whimsical and he proves a point.  The fashion world needs time to think and get inspired again.

Read the full article here 

Cannes Fashion

With the Cannes Film Festival in full swing, red carpet fashion followers have been royally spoiled this year.  I'm not going to discuss the worst... because everyone is looking fabulous alongside the French Riviera this week. 

My best dressed is without a doubt, Kate Beckinsale, attended the premiere of Robin Hood on May 12th.  Beckingsale is also a judge, along with Benicio del Toro and Tim Burton.

Beckinsale looked more like a leading lady than a judge in this frothy, light blue Marchesa gown.  Accessorized with Chopard jewels, the British beauty was elegant and timeless.  I love the asymetrical detail of the sheer sash and the movement of the fishtail.  It's simply lovely.

Pastel blue seems to be the colour of the season... Bollywood star, Aishwarya Rai dazzled us in this Elie Saab dress.  I loved the scale or petal like layers on this dress and the dainty sheer shoulder as well.

I don't know who wore these Christian Louboutin shoes... her name is Hofit Golan, and she was shot with French director, Christophe Guillaume... but these shoes are hot (and his are too). They take the YSL "cage bootie" trend to a new level, adding elegance with a less torturous, scalopped pattern, and add a little bit of "Dorothy" in sparkling red.

Eva Longoria poses with Aishwarya Rai...and Parker looks like she could run away and get married (again) in this Emilio Pucci gown.

Eva proves once again that she is a red carpet fave in this body hugging, Naeem Khan gown.  Her figure looks flawless and I enjoy the elegant simplicity of this gown, which still delivers on the glitz.

Eva Longoria Parker shows us a more casual side, in a grey Herve Leger mini, sapphire YSL heels and a navy Birkin bag.

Cate Blanchett attended the premiere of her new film, Robin Hood on May 12 in this gorgeous Alexander McQueen dress.  I don't even think I can call it a dress, or a gown... it's a piece of art.  Looking regal as always, the gown was personally selected by the late Lee McQueen, and it couldn't be a more perfect fit.  Blanchett takes risks on the red carpet, and isn't afraid to sport unconventional couture.  This creation epitomizes both Blanchett's elegance and McQueen's genius as a designer.