Fall 2012 Couture Favorites

     While Americans were all celebrating their independence, a different kind of fireworks were on the Paris runways for the Fall 2012 Couture shows. The most anticipated debut of the season was Raf Simons' very first collection for Christian Dior. After over a year of drama, speculation, and uncertainty for the design house, they've finally secured a creative director, and by the response to his premiere, it looks like he'll be there for a while. Valentino's collection was also greatly raved about and Chanel brought back classics as a "new vintage."
       My favorite shows weren't all of the ones that were well-received, but they were no less amazing. Here are the collections that I fell in love with...

Elie Saab

     Elie Saab has been a favorite of mine when it comes to gorgeous gowns and he always delivers on the couture runway. This season he took a very romantic approach, a little less glam than normal, but equally stunning. Most of the gowns were belted, accentuating the way Saab made each one with a clear waistline to separate the bodice from the skirt. He also used lace and beading to play off of the necklines. The eye was drawn to the drama just above the bust, while the actual neckline of the garment was much higher. There was just enough bare skin and sparkle in the collection to lend itself to more streamlined pieces as well. To complete each look were Grecian-inspired, braided updos and minimal, dewy makeup, with a hint of winged eyeliner.

I love the two different necklines that are created here.

A more conservative look, but still with a bit of glamour.

Say goodbye to pink -- peach is totally the new girly color!

Intricate beading calls for a streamlined skirt.

This much glitz deserves little glimpses of skin.

Angelina started a craze. Now slit-up-the-leg dresses will be everywhere!

Absolutely in love with this classy look!

Although the bodice is pretty, the slight ruffle in the skirt makes this gown.

Favorite beauty look of all the shows -- very natural makeup, letting the eyes pop with a little eyeliner!

Inverted braids are really gaining popularity. It's an edgier take on a classic french braid.

Christian Dior

   
       No question, the most anticipated, important, and groundbreaking show of the season, and quite possibly of the year. When a new creative director comes to a design house everyone hopes that they will find the perfect balance between keeping its signature look and taking the label in a fresh, new direction. Raf Simons did just that. He celebrated the old "New Look" Dior, then not only dusted off the Galliano era with polished contemporary looks, but also started a new conversation with his smartest decision of all -- pants. Yes, menswear as womenswear has been a huge trend for years now, but the way that Simons executed it was unique. He didn't obliterate the femininity that Dior has made iconic, he altered it to fit the modern woman. He created structured, ladylike, short dresses worn with streamlined trousers underneath, as if to say, "Who says you can't wear pants and have your dress too?" Every look was not only flattering, but also powerful and edgy. Simons has opened up an entirely new idea in couture design and we can expect a lot of excitement around awards season, hoping to see these ideas on red carpet starlets.

The new power suit -- cropped trousers and a structured dress.

An embroidered dress adds femininity to wool cigarette pants.

A beautiful belted coat echoes vintage Dior.

I love this sassy, dotted dress!

This tie-dye effect print modernizes a retro silhouette.

My favorite look of the show, could definitely be seen on the red carpet!

I love the mix of texture and color in this dress.

Givenchy

    
     Although this show had very few pieces, each one had the detail of five. There was a focus on accentuating the backs of each garment, as well a theme of sleek column silhouettes. Embellishments like beading and fur made the pieces ethereal, as if they came from a land of knights and royalty.

I love this no-shoulder cape style gown. It's dark and edgy, but still beautiful.

Fur sleeves on a dress doesn't mean you still can't bare some skin.

The jacket accompanying this gown adds a regal touch.

Possibly the most intricate embellishments of this season's couture shows.

Beautiful, classy, streamlined.

Giambattista Valli

     Valli showed us that florals can definitely be worn for the fall. There were not only countless variations on the floral print seen on the runway, but also a wide range of silhouettes, some structured, some more fluid.  He used a multitude of ruffles to add volume to shoulders, waistlines, hips, and collars, while not losing the figure-flattering gowns underneath. The most interesting accessories he included were net headpieces, some with butterflies adorning models' mouths, as if referencing the "Silence of the Lambs" book cover.

The bit of volume on top brings attention to the belted waist, while creating length all the way down the dress.

A beautiful, flowing fabric in an enchanting, emerald green.

The fitted torso of the dress makes the flaring skirt look even more dramatic.

An interesting way to incorporate the peplum trend -- with ladylike ruffles.

Gorgeous tiering and a minty floral - one of my favorite looks!

Love the contrast of the boxy neckline with a voluminous waist!

This fantastic, plunge neckline lends itself to lots of volume on the skirt end.

Chanel

     There are always elements at a Chanel show that will be predictable given its long history -- tweed, ladylike necklines, pearls, metallics, classic suits, chiffon. But there are also those that will be unpredictable, given the creative director is the always-eccentric Kaiser. Lagerfeld created what he calls "new vintage," with the idea that the new clothes he creates today will be the vintage of tomorrow's generations.

An Indian-style tunic meets a patchwork knit = a very modern "vintage" dress.

You always need that classic tweed skirt suit...with metallic hosiery of course!

Belting the jacket with a long maxi skirt is the best way to pull this look off.

A chiffon-winged dress fit for an angel!

A 60's inspired suit for the woman of today.

A very contemporary silhouette -- love the side cutouts with metallic trim!

A prim and proper button-down blouse calls for a glitzy, beaded skirt!

A Midsummer Night's Dream

     Summer is halfway through! Every other year of my life I wouldn't be saying this with such an upbeat fervor, however this is the first summer I've wanted to be over! Don't get me wrong...I love swimming, the hot weather, week-long trips, and sleeping in...but there's nothing more I'm looking forward to than starting a new phase of my life at college! I've been doing everything I can to prepare for move-in day, including going through my whole wardrobe to figure out what I'm bringing with me (the hardest part being my shoe collection). I've done most of my shopping but I'm still looking around for a laptop. I'm so excited that it seems college is all I can think of! However, sometimes I realize that I should just step back and enjoy the relaxing summer I have because it won't be around forever. Here are some summery things I'll be dreaming of tonight...

Elie Saab's visionary Fall 2011 Couture collection.

Chanel's latest and greatest nail hue.

A breathtaking ocean view from a white-washed beach house.

A design for the engagement ring I'll have someday.

A bookcase full of fashion history and designer biographies.

Kissing a frog so I can turn him into a pair of these Lanvin wedges.

Minimalistic necklaces with a touch of dazzling stones.

Eating tiramisu in Rome.

New ways to style my hair for the summer heat.

My plans for the future. 

Sweet dreams!

Fresh Looks To Add To Any Wardrobe

Earlier this week I made a list of designers I wanted to get some inspiration from for my wardrobe. Whether you take my advise or not, it may do you some good to update a few pieces of your own.

Isaac Mizrahi:
I loved the neon bodysuits that peaked out under full skirts and dresses. This could be a potential cute look for summer, but it could also make a transition into school hallways with neon shorts under mini skirts or bright tanks layered under sleeveless dresses. It makes the ordinary just little more unique and the plain just a little bit more noticable.

Chanel:
Among all the vintage classics mixed with rock vibes, Karl Lagerfeld introduced perhaps a major comeback of tweed. I wouldn't go as far as to say it'll become a huge trend, but I think it could be gracing many racks of malls in the near future. Even if tweed isn't here to stay, I might consider investing in a tweed jacket or skirt to take out when I feel a Coco Chanel within me.

DKNY:

After thick, loosely wrapped scarves were all the rage last fall, maybe it's time for something new. On the runway of DKNY models wore thin, fringed scarves that could barely keep a chill away, but rather offered a break from the norm of last season. It might be a fresh piece to add to a daytime frock or just a t-shirt and jeans. Afterall, nothing goes better with Donna Karan than your ol' blues.

Martin Grant:

I couldn't help but notice that Martin Grant put a great emphasis on necklines. There was just about every variation imaginable seen on the dresses, and he took it even further by switching up the necklaces from scarves to thick, layered chains. Maybe he's trying to tell us something! Instead of sticking with the same v-neck or collar everyday, try to be a bit more spontaneous and mix it up a little! Even tying your favorite string of pearls a different way each time you wear them could give your outfit a fresh look from the last.

Elie Saab:

I only have one question...can Elie Saab design my prom dress? He is dead on with what women want-vibrant colors, rich metallics, and gowns that make us feel like a million bucks. I was suprised that I wasn't looking at his couture collection! Along with all the glitz and glamour came dresses with their own personalities. Each and every dress seemed to have a story to tell and a unique look all their own, just as every woman does. So what's the message here? Embrace your unique style, whatever it may be, and don't be afraid to add something to your wardrobe that sets you apart from everyone else.

Collette Dinnigan:

So much for the black booties I just bought last fall. Nude could be the next best thing! I mean, think about it-they're versatile, won't distract the eye from a gorgeous dress, but still have their subtle sexiness. I might just have to buy a pair of my own to wear with all the outifits I put on then realize "I have no shoes that go with this!" There will be no more guess work or flinging of unwanted garments on my floor, because if all else fails...just go with the nude booties!

P.S.
There will be more coming soon.