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2009 Spring Couture: Armani Privé

FabSugarUK — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:00:20 -0800

Spring couture week kicked off yesterday in Paris with a beautiful Dior show by John Galliano. Giorgio Armani continued the season with his own economy defying collection. Much like Galliano, who referenced the golden age of couture, Armani looked to the thirties for influence referencing another time when glamour outshone financial difficulties. There were plenty of red carpet pleasers (expect to spot them at next month's Oscars) including this beautiful one-shouldered red dress. He also drew inspiration from East Asian culture, which could be related to China's growing status in the luxury empire. Armani himself described China as "a dream" and denied that their economic positioning influenced him at all.

To hear the rest of my thoughts on the collection and for images, just read more.

The Italian designer used luxurious silks adorned with tassles, pointy shoulders and plenty of appliqué. There were glossy elements with wetlook trousers teamed with jackets similar to a martial arts outfit.

Long time fan of Armani, Glenn Close, attended the show and described the collection as "extraordinary." Adding that she was, "Stunned (by) the pure creativity of it, the whimsy, the fantasy, the shapes." Other celebrities in attendance included Prince Albert of Monaco’s girlfriend, swimmer Charlene Wittstock and actors Claudia Cardinale and Kirsten Lea.

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2008 Spring Couture: Givenchy

FabSugar — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:00:22 -0800

If there's such a thing as being equally minimalist and over-the-top, Givenchy's Spring 2008 couture show is it. Natalia Vodianova and Lou Doillon looked on as Riccardo Tisci's creations came to life.

On the simple spectrum, there were slim white pants and tailored white blazers, sheer tank tops and ivory tights. The rest was drama at its best: accordion-like silhouettes, layered feathers, holey sequin jackets, sheer tiered gowns, overly exaggerated origami frocks, and pretty embellishments. The way I see it, if the no-frills Jil Sander and the overly frilly Dior produced a fashion-forward love child, this collection would be her. Model child indeed!

For more Givenchy couture, read more

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Fab Ad: Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2008

FabSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:22 -0700

I'm always game for something different, and these shots definitely fit that description.

The Mondrian-inspired background juxtaposed with Valentino's ruffly Spring couture collection, featuring model Alison Nix, is an unexpected surprise, but I think it works. I love the idea of using geometric shapes and primary colors to back such a soft collection.

Are you a fan?

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Spring 2008 Couture: Armani Privé

FabSugar — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:00:22 -0800

Yet again, Mr. Giorgio Armani presented a drama-filled collection that his best costumer, Cate Blanchett, can easily fall in love with.

Armani Privé came in the form of oversized ruffles, poufy bubble hems, large stand-up collars, fuzzy feathers, overly tiered skirts, and lots of embellishments. And though the designer isn't usually one to overdo accessories, this collection was an exception. Chunky bangles, big clutches, beaded necklaces, and jeweled belts added to the theatrics of the show. I'm looking forward to seeing the Armani Privé runway translated onto the red carpet.

To see more from Armani Privé's Spring 2008 Couture collection, read more

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2009 Spring Couture: Chanel

FabSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:00:22 -0800

Karl was on a strict diet of black, white, and paper when designing Spring couture. I'm predicting white is about to be the color du jour, thanks to Michelle Obama's dreamy Jason Wu gown. As always, Karl was psychic. His designs may have been scaled down, but they were anything but streamlined. Cuts were sharp or voluminous, shoulders and waists were punctuated, and details were both in-your-face and obscure.Varied beading techniques were used, exhibiting the keen craftsmanship of couture. Flower appliques were whimsical, black and white floral motifs were flirtatious. Elaborate head pieces added drama. Separates were aplenty for those watching their wallets. There was no high drama here, but there was plenty to keep couture costumers quenched.

To see loads of Chanel Spring couture, read more.

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Paris Spring Couture's All-Star Attendees

FabSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:00:22 -0800

Where there is couture, there's always going to be all-star attendees. Couture isn't up everyone's alley, but the Spring Couture collections in Paris did attract a gaggle of fashion devotees like Carine Roitfeld, Daphne Guinness, Dita Von Teese, and Olga Kurylenko (left, gorgeous). After the Chanel show, first-time fashion show attendee Keira Knightley said, “I was saying ‘I want that one and that one and that one,’ but I’ve got nothing to wear them to." Somehow I doubt that! Check out who else made a cameo at the Parisian shows.
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2009 Spring Couture: Valentino

FabSugar — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:00:22 -0800

All eyes were on the house of Valentino with the recent dramas haunting the house. You may recall Alessandra Facchinetti's quick dismissal following the Spring RTW show. Longtime accessory designers for the house Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli stepped up to the throne. The Spring couture collection was their debut.Valentino is back in business. This collection reminded me of what Valentino stands for: luxury, precision, femininity. And yes, Valentino Garavani was there and was the first to applaud. You can't get much better than this: “I have to tell you, they did a very good job. It is a collection that is perfect for this very moment,” said Valentino postshow. The clothes were free from fashion-forward experimentation and rooted in Valentino signatures like rosettes, luxurious fabrics, dramatic ruffles, and opulent evening gowns. Some colors were questionable - this taupe bores me to death - but rich Valentino red shined along with other jewel tones. All in all, a fine step in the right direction.

For more Valentino couture, read more

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2009 Spring Couture: Giorgio Armani Privé

FabSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:00:22 -0800

Take Asian-inspired gear, give it a good tug and a shake, and you get Giorgio Armani Privé Spring couture. But it's far more complicated than it sounds. Let's break it down. If you're into shoulder love, then this collection will speak to you. Whether on gowns or suits, prominent shoulders took center stage and added a theatrical edge. Another standout: flipping. Suit jackets, skirts, and pants all featured whimsical flips, whether on cuffs or hemlines.

Armani splashed in certain bold-colored items to spice things up. Vivid purples, yellows, and reds all demanded attention, especially next to the rest of the blacks and neutrals. A few moody florals crept in, as did sequins and ruffles. All in all, yet another stellar collection, one that transports you to an exotic world . . .

To see more from Giorgio Armani Privé's couture collection, read more.

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Spring Couture Trend Alert: Very Pretty Pastels

FabSugar — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:00:22 -0800

Very pretty pastels dominated the Spring Couture runways this season. Notice how this light, chalky hue is ideal for showing off intricate details and gives off a whimsical feel. Christian Dior took the bold approach and dyed silk taffeta frocks in dusty blue and peach while Elie Saab played it demure with light green and purple. My fave? This yellow tinted one-shoulder Givenchy confection; it's the perfect amount of pastel. Click through to see more pretty pastel looks from Lacroix, Armani Prive, and more! Source

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2009 Spring Couture: Givenchy

FabSugar — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:00:22 -0800

Riccardo Tisci always brings raw sexuality to the runway. But I'm not talking Victoria's Secret sexy, I'm talking S&M sexy. For Spring couture, the designer continued to play with bold cuts, but he also incorporated sweet fabrics; that contradictory fusion is sure to fly off the racks. I smell some Oscar-worthy red carpet looks for the risk-takers too! Anne Hathaway, if you're listening, the asymmetrical floral gown is all you.
There are many parts to this Givenchy tale - asymmetry is one of them. Long and short dresses came in one-shoulder styles, as well as with crazy asymmetrical details. Cocoon shapes also dominated on frocks and skirt suits. Sheer fabrics managed to balance sexy and sweet, and puff shoulders continued their run. Tisci loves black, white, and beige, but he also threw in neon yellow, lavender, and icy blue for contrast. Let's just put it this way . . . don't dare wear these clothes if you're in a silly mood. These are serious.

To see more hotness from Givenchy, read more.

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