Runway Report: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Monastic Tsarina Fairytale: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011:

Tsarina Entrance: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

During the Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week several weeks back, along with the usual Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture designers, the House of Valentino ( a Corresponding--i.e. foreign--Member of the Chambre) showed its most recent offering of those rarefied $100,000+ hand-made clothes to editors (Project Runway's Nina Garcia was there in the front row!) bloggers, a Hollywood actress or two (Valentino "muse" Anne Hathaway) and...

Elena Permineva (disguising a slight baby bump), model and wife of Russian Billionaire Alexander Lebedev and Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia in the background--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Yes, some of the multi-millionaire clients who might actually buy! House designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli's collection-held at The Hotel Salomon de Rothschild-- had hints of a Fairytale Princess (I believe that had a Tsarina in mind) but also what I noticed from looking at the photos and runway video (below) was also a Monastic tone as well.

Take a Look:

Monastic Couture: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

A Night at The Opera: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

The Cape Coat of The Season: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

A Modern Wedding: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Renaissance Charmeuse: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Can I Order This with a Lining? Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Valentino Red: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

All in all, another beautiful collection from designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli who have brilliantly transformed the House of Valentino into something modern without abandoning the legacy of the Master.

Click Below for Full Runway Video of Valentino Fall/Winter 2011:

Runway Report: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Monastic Tsarina Fairytale: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011:

Tsarina Entrance: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

During the Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week several weeks back, along with the usual Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture designers, the House of Valentino ( a Corresponding--i.e. foreign--Member of the Chambre) showed its most recent offering of those rarefied $100,000+ hand-made clothes to editors (Project Runway's Nina Garcia was there in the front row!) bloggers, a Hollywood actress or two (Valentino "muse" Anne Hathaway) and...

Elena Permineva (disguising a slight baby bump), model and wife of Russian Billionaire Alexander Lebedev and Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia in the background--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Yes, some of the multi-millionaire clients who might actually buy! House designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli's collection-held at The Hotel Salomon de Rothschild-- had hints of a Fairytale Princess (I believe that had a Tsarina in mind) but also what I noticed from looking at the photos and runway video (below) was also a Monastic tone as well.

Take a Look:

Monastic Couture: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

A Night at The Opera: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

The Cape Coat of The Season: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

A Modern Wedding: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Renaissance Charmeuse: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Can I Order This with a Lining? Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Valentino Red: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

All in all, another beautiful collection from designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli who have brilliantly transformed the House of Valentino into something modern without abandoning the legacy of the Master.

Click Below for Full Runway Video of Valentino Fall/Winter 2011:

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week--Elie Saab

Baby Got Couture Back

Ice, Ice Baby: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Elie Saab is criticized for making collections that are safe and often repetitive. Often you could interchange one season for another and not really tell the difference. This collection is no exception in that Saab sticks to his trademark of sending out beautifully crafted gowns and cocktail dresses that look as if they are floating down the runway.

I, for one, have no problem with his aesthetic and I am sure his many clients in Dubai and China don't mind it either. Yes, while watching the video you do get a bit glassy eyed from all the continuous hand beaded concoctions, but the House of Elie Saab is certainly giving all there couture clients (and Red Carpet Actresses) plenty of options, and letting them feel comfortable that their dress will be unique from the others.

Ballerina Chic: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

For Fall/Winter 2011 (Yes, this is Saab's version of Fall! No fur and wool for this client!) there were a few themes that stood out in the collection. Elie made the beading lighter and more transparent with breathtaking beading on the most delicate chiffon that he draped and pleated across the body. Also, there was a Ballerina feel to his cocktail dresses with short skirts that were pleated and full. This might be a Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture trend alert.

Caplet Queen: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Probably the most standout trend of the collection was the open backs on many of the dresses. Unfortunately not apparent in the photos (make sure to watch the video below), the gowns and cocktail dresses had stunning backs that were completely open, delicately draped or open with delicate shear caplets.

Below are more looks from the collection:

Bronze and Beaded: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Blouson Couture: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Blue Shear: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

One Shoulder Goddess: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Click below to watch the entire Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show:

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week--Elie Saab

Baby Got Couture Back

Ice, Ice Baby: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Elie Saab is criticized for making collections that are safe and often repetitive. Often you could interchange one season for another and not really tell the difference. This collection is no exception in that Saab sticks to his trademark of sending out beautifully crafted gowns and cocktail dresses that look as if they are floating down the runway.

I, for one, have no problem with his aesthetic and I am sure his many clients in Dubai and China don't mind it either. Yes, while watching the video you do get a bit glassy eyed from all the continuous hand beaded concoctions, but the House of Elie Saab is certainly giving all there couture clients (and Red Carpet Actresses) plenty of options, and letting them feel comfortable that their dress will be unique from the others.

Ballerina Chic: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

For Fall/Winter 2011 (Yes, this is Saab's version of Fall! No fur and wool for this client!) there were a few themes that stood out in the collection. Elie made the beading lighter and more transparent with breathtaking beading on the most delicate chiffon that he draped and pleated across the body. Also, there was a Ballerina feel to his cocktail dresses with short skirts that were pleated and full. This might be a Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture trend alert.

Caplet Queen: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Probably the most standout trend of the collection was the open backs on many of the dresses. Unfortunately not apparent in the photos (make sure to watch the video below), the gowns and cocktail dresses had stunning backs that were completely open, delicately draped or open with delicate shear caplets.

Below are more looks from the collection:

Bronze and Beaded: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Blouson Couture: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Blue Shear: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

One Shoulder Goddess: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Click below to watch the entire Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show:

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week--Jean Paul Gaultier

Black Swans, Biker Tutus, Men in Feathered Skirts, Silk Mousseline Trench Coats, a Cone Bra Wedding Gown and French SuperDiva Mylene Farmer??

Biker Tutu: Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

French Fashion Designer Jean Paul Gaultier showed his Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Haute Couture Collection and by the looks of the video and the photos, it was a Not-To-Be-Missed show! The music soundtrack began with the voice of actor Vincent Cassel of the film "Black Swan" instructing his dancers. From that moment--and the first Swan-like feathered headdress--we knew that this collection might have some Ballet tendencies...

PETA-Free Zone: Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

As the 60+ look collection materialized, indeed there were strong "Swan Lake" influences: Luxe tutus with mink, silk tulle, leather and wool, full skirts, ribbon-laced "Ballet" platform-pumps.

Also: Lots of Furs--in those "tutu dresses", as well as in parka coats, cape-gowns (above on English Model Erin O'Connor) and just about every other piece in the collection (it's Fall/Winter after all--a very un-politically correct one but still). Gowns featuring Madame Grès-like plisse pleating also showed up, as well as late 70's Disco-Era Divas like this one:

There was also a general undercurrent of a "Look-Back Through the Best of Gaultier" with highlights being all those FABULOUS Trench coats and Variations-on-the-Trench which is a Gaultier Hallmark:

It's Raining Trenches: Two Trench Coat looks from Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

My favorite being the GORGEOUS silk mousseline trench gowns with open back on above photos. Continuing with his "Ode to Himself" theme, Gaultier also showed many Menswear Looks--all hand-made Haute Couture naturally. These male DIVOS, stomped the runway in three-inch heel boots with Marabou and Ostrich-trimmed floor-length skirts, asymmetrical cape-jackets, poufy trench coat-gowns (yes, I said POUFY TRENCH COAT GOWNS!) and even a strapless bustier with attached shawl-over "over-gown". Check out les hommes kiddies:

Miss Thang: Gaultier Muse, Model and Collaborator Tanel Bedrossiantz, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Poufy Officer: Portuguese Model Luis Batalha, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Bearded Bustier: Model Benjamin Dukhan Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

And to put the "Gaultier Cherry" on top of this "Haute Couture Cake", he sent out French-Canadian model Ève Salvail who was definitely NOT typecast as the "White Swan" of the collection. She wore "Le Mariage" (wedding dress) with those iconic Cone-shaped bust cups that put him on the map, via Madonna:

Express Yourself: Model Ève Salvail, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

And speaking of Madonna--his show ended with the "French Madonna" (doesn't it seem as if there's a "Madonna" in EVERY country!), Mylène Farmer:

Comme J'Ai Mal: French Icon-singer Mylene Farmer, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Who, naturally was THE Black Swan of the show, wearing a fitted black leather jacket, tulle high-low skirt with a very long train (poor thing tripped on it when turning around), and of course, "Swan Lake"-like feathers atop her ginger-colored swept up-do. If this all sounds Trop! ("too much" en francais), then please by all means, see for yourself...

Click Below for Full Runway Video of Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011/12 Haute Couture--Part One:

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011/12 Haute Couture--Part Two:

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week--Jean Paul Gaultier

Black Swans, Biker Tutus, Men in Feathered Skirts, Silk Mousseline Trench Coats, a Cone Bra Wedding Gown and French SuperDiva Mylene Farmer??

Biker Tutu: Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

French Fashion Designer Jean Paul Gaultier showed his Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Haute Couture Collection and by the looks of the video and the photos, it was a Not-To-Be-Missed show! The music soundtrack began with the voice of actor Vincent Cassel of the film "Black Swan" instructing his dancers. From that moment--and the first Swan-like feathered headdress--we knew that this collection might have some Ballet tendencies...

PETA-Free Zone: Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

As the 60+ look collection materialized, indeed there were strong "Swan Lake" influences: Luxe tutus with mink, silk tulle, leather and wool, full skirts, ribbon-laced "Ballet" platform-pumps.

Also: Lots of Furs--in those "tutu dresses", as well as in parka coats, cape-gowns (above on English Model Erin O'Connor) and just about every other piece in the collection (it's Fall/Winter after all--a very un-politically correct one but still). Gowns featuring Madame Grès-like plisse pleating also showed up, as well as late 70's Disco-Era Divas like this one:

There was also a general undercurrent of a "Look-Back Through the Best of Gaultier" with highlights being all those FABULOUS Trench coats and Variations-on-the-Trench which is a Gaultier Hallmark:

It's Raining Trenches: Two Trench Coat looks from Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

My favorite being the GORGEOUS silk mousseline trench gowns with open back on above photos. Continuing with his "Ode to Himself" theme, Gaultier also showed many Menswear Looks--all hand-made Haute Couture naturally. These male DIVOS, stomped the runway in three-inch heel boots with Marabou and Ostrich-trimmed floor-length skirts, asymmetrical cape-jackets, poufy trench coat-gowns (yes, I said POUFY TRENCH COAT GOWNS!) and even a strapless bustier with attached shawl-over "over-gown". Check out les hommes kiddies:

Miss Thang: Gaultier Muse, Model and Collaborator Tanel Bedrossiantz, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Poufy Officer: Portuguese Model Luis Batalha, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Bearded Bustier: Model Benjamin Dukhan Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

And to put the "Gaultier Cherry" on top of this "Haute Couture Cake", he sent out French-Canadian model Ève Salvail who was definitely NOT typecast as the "White Swan" of the collection. She wore "Le Mariage" (wedding dress) with those iconic Cone-shaped bust cups that put him on the map, via Madonna:

Express Yourself: Model Ève Salvail, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

And speaking of Madonna--his show ended with the "French Madonna" (doesn't it seem as if there's a "Madonna" in EVERY country!), Mylène Farmer:

Comme J'Ai Mal: French Icon-singer Mylene Farmer, Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Who, naturally was THE Black Swan of the show, wearing a fitted black leather jacket, tulle high-low skirt with a very long train (poor thing tripped on it when turning around), and of course, "Swan Lake"-like feathers atop her ginger-colored swept up-do. If this all sounds Trop! ("too much" en francais), then please by all means, see for yourself...

Click Below for Full Runway Video of Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011/12 Haute Couture--Part One:

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 2011/12 Haute Couture--Part Two: