ARMANI PRIVE


I love the strong androgynous look that Armani has monopolized since the late 70s.


There is no better combination than a great black pant, white dress shirt and a pair of ridiculously high heels.


The blue zipper dress is amazingly hot! I already see it on someone gutsy like Rihanna.

CHRISTIAN DIOR


John Galliano rarely disappoints. This time it was a throwback to Dior’s 50s heyday reworked intricately into popping surreal palettes.



I love this bright red dress with the peep-show undergarment.



This combo of corset top and layered puff skirt is to die for.



Pink for drama.



ELIE SAAB


Elie Saab has become one of my favorite designers. Who can forget the gorgeous Oscar gown for Halle Berry in 2002? I adore this all-white collection even though he has received a lot of criticism for ‘copying’ Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring 2009 all-white couture collection. But guess what? Mr. Lagerfeld did not invent white collections! Valentino did back in 1967!


Strong shoulder and the mini is one of the best ways to elongate the leg. I love the ruffles.



Snow princess.



I have no words to describe this dress! Elie Saab, can I have this for my wedding next year?



JEAN PAUL GAULTIER


Well… Gaultier is Gaultier. From Jean Harlow to Brigitte Bardot to Madonna, Gaultier knows drama!

I wish Madonna would still wear stuff like this.



The film strip dress.



Jumpsuit has never looked better.



GIVENCHY


Riccardo Tisci looked to the Middle East for influence. This perhaps was the most contemporary of the Couture 2009 collections. They could have almost passed for ready-to-wear if there were not for additions of intricate gold details.


Oh velvet blazer, I love you.

I’m all over the baloon pant.

So much gold, so much love.


This gradient looks like an eastern sunrise.



CHRISTIAN LACROIX


The biggest fashion tragedy of the recession was the announcement that Christian Lacroix was declaring bankruptcy. A collection created on a donated time from Lacroix’s loyal seamstresses, embroiderers, jewelers, milliners, and shoemakers. Models only took a $50 (minimum according to French law) pay to walk in what was announced to be Lacroix’s last public showing. Leaving behind his usual extravagance, this toned-down collection focused on shape and wearability. Gorgeous little taffeta party dresses adorned the runway. Lacroix wanting to go out with a bang showed one last crowd-pleasing extravagant Russian dynasty inspired wedding gown with a gilded headdress. Lacroix certainly knows the right way to make an exit.

I doubt that this is the last we see from the legendary designer.


“I want to continue, maybe in a different way, with a small atelier. What I really care about is the women who do this work.” -Christian Lacroix

The epitome of French chic: black taffeta party dress.


Dramatic layered crinoline. So doll-like.


Bam Bam Bam! Voila!



ALEXIS MABILLE


A relative newcomer Alexis Mabille created a loose and floaty collection epitomizing the French chic. Oh it’s so easy for them: simple + giant bow = effortless.


“I wanted it to look loose and casual-fitting, so she can wear things with the attitude of pulling on a T-shirt. I tried to play with simple graphic shapes, so everything floats. She’s not such a girly-girl.” – Mabille


So pretty.


Another great jumpsuit alternative.


VALENTINO


Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, former Valentino accessories designers, have finally moved on from trying to ‘honour’ the great one. I love this youthful collection with a hint of Valentino traditions: the rose, the lace, the feather. I look forward to seeing the future collections by these two newcomers.


A not-so-simple simple mini dress.


Intricate lacework brings out the drama.

Cover me in Valentino roses.

I love this lovely feather flat. A great non-heel option.

And that concludes Fall 2009 Couture.