Haute Couture S/S '13 Review: Armani Privé

When it comes to Giorgio Armani and his shows, there is this interesting phenomenon I've noticed: his ready-to-wear shows are almost never themed, while his couture opens up a different magical world each season. The reason for that might be that safety-net I discussed few posts ago, to make sure his company makes profit. And while the RTW shows are always a snooze-fest, couture gets me very excited. This season was no exception, as Mr. Armani presented us a Middle East fairy tale like we've never seen before.

What did he try to do?

Whatever was on his mind - translated perfectly well on the runway. We saw a variety of silk gazar pieces in rich warm colors such as orange, yellow and red who were just a sweet addition to the sea of neutral-colored outfits. The models strut down the runway wearing queen-resembling headpieces that made them look like they were in charge. The standard Armani silhouettes were turned up a notch by being adorned with lots of embellishments and colorful prints splattered over rough silk. And for evening wear, we got the dose of glamour desperately needed around Awards season.

What would I change?

There's not much on the list: there were a few gray printed pieces towards the middle that ruined the glamorous feel of the collection. The wigs could have been less greasy looking - that was a rather distracting part. Armani definitely needs stronger casts.

What would I keep?

The voluminous oriental-printed gowns were to-die-for. A lot of sharp-looking tailored pantsuits that made the collection even stronger. The headpieces - including the makeup, were a definite high-point of the show and brought the couture drama. Evening wear was impeccable as always.

Favorite look?

Don't forget to share your thoughts and ideas by leaving me a comment below!

Photo credit: style.com

Haute Couture S/S '13 Review: Versace Atelier

Last season Donatella Versace made a smart move by continuing to show the Versace Atelier collections as an actual show rather than a presentation, which was her brother's ideal way of presenting clothes. This way their collections gather more publicity, and most importantly - more customers. However, by trying to attract more rich women - younger ones, judging by the clothes, she has turned the Versace house into a Barbie house - and that can never be a good thing. 

What did she try to do?

Two seasons ago, Donatella dug up her brother's archived sketches (no pun intended) from the 90s looking for inspiration, unfortunately reviving dated and rather ugly pieces that were once a hit. Baby pinks, shoulder pads, feathers and lots of bling are becoming Versace Atelier's trademark once again, however, this time without the supermodels. The S/S '13 show was no exception from this new look, as it featured all the elements mentioned, plus an addition of cheap fabrics and gold lamé. The only high-point? Kristen McMenamy and her platinum hair opening the show.

What would I change?

Cut down on the gold and use more decent looking fabrics - the shower curtain mullet gowns towards the end need to be burned. A less obvious use of the shoulder pads. Focus more on new contemporary shapes instead of trying to make the 90s silhouettes work, it's not working. A better cast.

What would I keep?

Let's make this a short paragraph - the only items worth keeping are some of the furs and the 3 column dresses in white, black and hot pink somewhere in the middle. Suits weren't bad either.

Favorite piece?

Don't forget to share your thoughts and ideas by leaving me a comment below!

Photo credit: style.com

Haute Couture S/S '13 Review: Christian Dior

Many have welcomed Raf Simons as the new 'king of fashion' ever since he took the main job at Christian Dior. However, by trying to establish a new look for the house by repeating himself season after season, he fell flat in my eyes. His minimalistic approach in the collections feels plain, lack-luster and sometimes - ugly. For his second couture show, Simons switched things up a bit by doing a romantic garden-themed collection that got everyone's attention. And while the show as a whole was beautiful, I found the collection disastrous.

What did he try to do?

Raf's plan this season was to present an utterly romantic flower-inspired collection that was supposed to be soft and light, while evoking a certain feel of elegance. He somewhat achieved that with the way the collection was presented - from the beautiful minimalistic white garden to the short wigs and diamond lips, but when looking at the photos all a person sees is stiffness. The shapes were very boxy, some were rather ill-fitting and the fabrics felt cheap and dated. Another problem was the sea of crafty plastic flowers that looked glued to the silk tops and balloon dresses.

What would I change?

The new 3-piece-suit is simply not working, unless he's aiming for 'the Russian mafia' to be Dior's new customers. Cheap looking embellishments have to go. Less color blocking - more harmony. A fresher take on the classic black suit is needed, we've already seen enough of it in every fabric. Burn the shoes, please.

What would I keep?

The hair and makeup were absolutely beautiful, loving the new direction in the beauty department. Very fond of the crystal embellished pieces - expensive and luxurious looking. The tailored dresses and corsets. Some of the gowns towards the end are absolutely breathtaking. 

Favorite piece?

Don't forget to share your thoughts and ideas by leaving me a comment below!

Photo credit: style.com

Couture is Back on Track

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahh!!!

After that hideous Haute Couture last season (Yes, I am talking about Chanel and Dior!!) they are finally BAACK!!! ♥
Instead of the hideous runways they showed us last season,


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Chanel and Dior are coming back bigger and better than ever!!
Both houses are going to show at the old, rather famous locations for their couture, Musée Rodin for Dior and Grand Palais for Chanel.
I am sure we remember them VEEERY well!


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Musée Rodin has been a home to Dior couture for years, excluding the last 2 seasons where they showed at the crappy little Dior boutique in the center of Paris.
I am sure we all want this palace back, cause last time Dior showed here magic happened!


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Dior Haute Couture Spring 2009, sketch made by me.

Chanel on the other hand has been showing at Grand Palais for years as well, excluding only last season, when they showed at crappy small boutique (Do Galliano and Lagerfeld talk on the phone too much?!)
This time, it is returning to the drop dead gorgeous palace where maany things happened.. BIG things dare I say!


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Every show was a huge wow for the audience.. he made statues, he built a Parisian house, a huge jacket, perfumes and wheels.. I wonder what's next.
A giant Chanel logo perhaps?


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Chanel runway vision, made by me.

Let's just hope fashion gods hear my prayers, and maybe give us something like this anytime soon!
Chanel's Fall 2010/11 Couture show will be at 8pm, so expect a LOT of lights and a killer show, like always (duh).

Haute Couture season starts on Monday, July 5th and will last for 4 days.
In case you are interested in the schedule (I bet you are), click HERE to get it.

This season I expect a huge show, do you? ♥