Fashion Illustration by Claudio Cina; Christian Dior Fall Couture 2011
Christian Dior Couture Fall 2011; photos courtesy Elle.com
Katy Perry at the VMA's in Dior Couture looking fab in this outfit!
For his first couture collection after the release of John Galliano from Christian Dior, Bill Gaytten, who worked for Galliano for decades, took the reigns at Dior..... if only for a moment. As fate would have it, his first outing proved to be a moment captured beautifully in pictures. With all the best tools at his fingertips, Stephen Jones with his headpieces, Jeremy Healy on beats, Michael Howells with his set design, Pat McGrath on makeup, Orlando Pita on hair, the collection packed a lot of punch.
My illusrtation today has been inspired by the models that "gave good face" at the show. Hats off to amazing chemistry of Orlando Pita, Pat McGrath, and Stephen Jones who brought Mr. Gaytten's vision to life beautifully.
What is Alber Elbaz's next step for Lanvin? Offering his creations to an even larger audience by launching on-line sales on a new website. The new site, www.lanvin.com will launch in Europe. It is a large step for the house, who is intent on merging technology and couture. It will allow on-line lovers of Lanvin to have space not only to shop, but to review the season's must haves and to mix and match different outfits and accessories to create their own unique looks.
Lanvin Bridal and Men's will also be available to order on the website as well as a four accessory pieces that will be exclusively designed for the launch of the site and can only be purchased online. The capsule collection will all feature a red embroidered heart.
What is so great about Lanvin is that they are pushing forward and embracing all the changes in technology so that they can reach a large part of their customer base, who is very computer savvy while still maintaing and not loosing the old world and couture element that is a major part of the brand's DNA.
I was and I am still in total shock about this news. It is hard to think of Paris without thinking of Galliano and the house of Christian Dior. We will have to wait and see how this story ends. What will happen to John Galliano? Below is Franca Sozzani's, Editor-in-Chief of Italian Vogue's comments:
Today's post is an extra special one! It comes from Fashionista's Daily, the blog of good friends Alan Tung + Mei-Mei the Pug. Alan is an accomplished designer, blogger and entrepreneur. Jean Paul Gaultier is one of the original showmen and thank God that he is able to express his true artistry in his Couture collection. When you think of some amazing dresses worn by pop stars and celebrities, his name is at the top of the list. I love Alan's take on this collection which just took place a Couture Fashion Week in Paris. Take a look.......
" Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011 Haute Couture Show – Where British Punk Rock Meets Paris Moulin Rouge Cancan Girl Chic "
I’ve been inlove with Monsieur Gaultier’s creations ever since he started his design house. Ever since that famous “Cone shape bra” he designed for Madonna, he has never let us down with each new collection he presented, and as usual; his spring 2011 couture show was a jaw dropping sensation! The theme was Britsh punk meets Paris cancan girl! Yes, you’ve heard it right! The total 2 opposite kind of girl & looks, it can only be achieve by a genius such a Jean Paul Gaultier to make it work together and look fabulous. He mixed the signature punk rock look of Mohawks, metal studs embellishments & leather jackets, married them with the girls of Moulin Rouge costumes such as ruffles, laced up bustier & their sensuality also with a touch of the bohemian prints, it equals to a “Très Français” sophistication collection.
Here is the video of this fabulous couture show
We’ve picked some of the best looks from the show
Photos courtesy by Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway & video courtesy by Vogue
I love this collection so much; I am going to watch the movie “Moulin Rouge” again! Haha Until next time, Be well and look fabulous! XOXO Alan + Mei-Mei the Pug
Thanks to Alan for this great post and I look forward to bringing everyone future dialogue and contributions from many more super talented people!
all photos Armani Privé Spring 2011 courtesy Style.com
With the feeling of Mugler in the air with Men's fashion week coming to a close and Couture Fashion week commencing, it is no surprise that Armani chose this future spin as the starting point of their Spring 2011 collection. Armani, Formichetti, and Lady Gaga have recently collaborated on costume project for the new Queen of Pop, so I am not surprised at all with the new women's line to debut for Mugler at Fall 2011 RTW Fashion Week in Paris that someone would want to be the first to say, "here is what it should look". And Armani did it with polish, sophistication and fabric innovation. This wet cloth that look like it was dipped in the same stuff that Jeff Koons uses to make his life size sculptures molded to the body and photographed amazingly. One can only think what it would have looked like in person.
The larger than life jewels than encrusted the bodices of dresses, bustiers and jacket were stunning in range. Ready for battle in a polished manner, the face masks looked as though they might have adorned the face of Audrey Hepburn. The sculptured shiny hats that covered part of the face for that 'Couture look' were brilliant via Philip Tracey. My least favorite moment where I thought things got a bit heavy and contrived were the color blocked looks (which I conveniently chose to leave out). My favorite pieces were everything in RED. The reminded me of the 'Hanging Heart' of Jeff Koons. I really liked this collection and the fact that Armani is still pushing boundaries while making beautifully made tailored clothes. Nothing wrong with that!
On a last note, I am predicting that ADR has already signed up for some of these pieces (of course the accessories) to wear to Fall RTW Fashion Week. Let's see if my prediction comes true, non Anna???
Jeff Koons 'Hanging Heart' Sculpture conceptualized in 1994
Click here to watch an amazingly informative video on the hanging of the 'Hanging Heart' on display at Sotheby's NYC for the first time I believe back in 2006.
(From Left, Viktoriya Sasonkina, Coco Rocha, Karlie Kloss, Jourdan Dunn & Raquel Zimmermann) US Vogue March 2009; Hair by Julien D'ys; dresses John Galliano
Julien D'ys process is so inspiring to me. I have blogged about his book Julien D'Ys par Juliette Butlerand posted some of the most beautiful photographs from it. Well there is a video that I have already seen many times that I want to share with anyone that can appreciate art and the creative process. I fell in love with it immediately. Each time I watch this clip, it excites me and gives me such a creative boost of energy. I love all of his sketches and mood boards in it as well. Here is Julien creating headpieces and make up for all the mannequins at the annual Metropolitan Museum fashion exhibit "Model as Muse" from 2009.
Julien, I am a huge fan and if I see you on the street and build up the courage to say hello, please don't think I am crazy......I am a huge fan.
cover and runway imge courtesy ofVogue Italiawebsite, The Grand Couture by Paolo Roversi; head stylist: Julien D'Ys, Make up: Pat McGrath; Fashion editor: Edward Enninful.
Once a season, Vogue Italia publishes a Couture Supplement to go along with their regular issue. Words cannot express how much I look forward to it! All magazines dedicate a single couture editorial in only one of their issues, but Vogue Italia dedicates an ENTIRE magazine only to Couture. One is never disappointed! Having looked at Vogue Italia for many many years, it is like a rush each time to see the campaigns and brilliant editorials come to life right in front of you. Come on, you have the best of the best. It is the most expensive clothes, the hottest models, and of course the top photographers and stylists. Covers have in the past been graced with a top model, a hollywood star, or music celebrity. Take a look at this season's issue titled "THE GRAND COUTURE" by Paolo Roversi featuring Kristen McMenamy in Dior Haute Couture. Wow! Wow! Wow! AMAZING. Can't wait to get my hands on it. It is not out at newstands yet. Visit Vogue.it for more information. If not just to take a look at their new website. It's fab!!! Most people would kill to work on this issue!
For those of you who do not get a chance to see the YSL exhibition at the Petit Palais in Paris in the next two days (the exhibit ends on August 29th), I have found a video that I think will give you a very good idea on what the exhibit is like. You are not allowed any pictures or videos. Even Lourdes, Madonna's daughter saw the exhibit on a recent trip to Paris and was all upset about the whole thing in a recent blog posting on her "Material World Blog". To quote her, "Unfortunately we were NOT allowed to take pics, which SUCKED, cause then I would have shown y'all...." So I think that this a rare treat to see. I hope you enjoy it.
"NOSTALGIA IS LIKE DREAMING AWAKE. I AM DEFINITELY A DREAMER"
Martin Margiela's Haute Couture Fall 2010/2011 show is proof that you should never throw away anything! Some of you reading this may not know who Martin Margiela is. How can I best describe him? His clothes are about taking something that you have looked at a thousand times, and making it avant-guarde, fashion, and a cult piece that you MUST own.
If you did not see the pants made from REAL cowboy boots, then you need to watch the video again. Amazing!
Did anyone notice that the show was held in the design studio? What? You mean they just moved the sewing machines and cutting tables out of the way and made room for the press and models?How brilliant!! I love all the mannequins. I am obsessed. I want to fill my apartment with a million of them! The leather braided jacket was another show stopper.
All the models have their eyes blacked out, as if you took a magic marker and drew a line over them. Another Margiela signature. LOOOOOVE! For more fashion, go quickly to a Martin Margiela store nearest you or just visit their website. No, the site is not under construction.;)
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