A Look Back: Spring/Summer 2012 Haute Couture

The 12 most prestigious fashion houses of the fashion community get to show their haute couture collections every season in Paris, France. Monochromatic looks at Alexis Mabille, Donetella being back on the lineup, fantastic set at Chanel, new creative director for Dior, and everything in-between was truly amazing. here is my usual 8 after the jump! xo, Estelle


1) Givenchy
The oversized nose jewelry and major earring hoops were tastefully styled with the amazing couture dresses. This collection to me, captured the essence of couture: wearable masterpieces. The darkness of the pieces had a romantic edge to it and sparkled during the showcase.

2) Atelier Versace
Although i was expecting long elegant dresses, the sculptured collection didn't disappoint me at all. The minimal smokey eye makeup shifted the attention perfectly to the small, but wonderful, 15 piece collection. Corseted gowns with metallic detailing put this collection at the top of my list.

3) Elie Saab
This collection just screams red carpet. Periwinkle blue and cotton candy pink, pastel greens was the main color scheme. The ponytails in my mind was one of the best aspects of the show; they were chic and a stubble statement. And one more thing, can I please get married in the last look that Toni wore?

till next year...PFW Fall/Winter 2012 Round-Up

Its now the end. well, until next year. the F/W 12 season was full of creativity, excitement and of course fashion <3 and as usual Paris Fashion Week puts a nice wrap to everything ending with the most well-known designers, most celebrity appearances, and the best of everything! as usual when i do my Round-Ups, here are my top 8, enjoy!

1) Lanvin
Needless to say more. it was a spectacular show. end of story. (literally i am so stunned, i have no comments) ill let you judge. see for yourself.

2) Chloé
Chloé was filled with soft pastels and clean lines. it was a breath of fresh air because a lot of designers now just overwork everything and it gets to cluttered. this stayed true to the ascetic. at the beginning of first viewing this collection on style.com, it immediately caught my attention because of how 'unique' it was. I felt like the lady that was trying to be achieved through this collection was a sexy yet confident lady. there are some looks that have some sexiness and appeal to more people that i wish was included a lot more. but i'm still happy with the overall collection. i mean, com'on, it is higher on the list than McQueen and Chanel!

3) Alexander McQueen

Again, i thought i was impressed by McQ. This just blew me out of the universe. The shoes were a twist to the classic and original McQueen. I was surprised on how Burton achieved this sense of warmth with this collection with the fuzzy textiles. finally something original! instead of going the usual route of fur, every single piece was a masterpiece itself. just one little complaint though. the hair...it could have done better.

4) Chanel

It is official. Chanel has made eyebrows the statement accessory of the season. the bedazzled eyebrows were the focus of beauty and left the hair in a classic long ponytail. Karl always manages to come up and make something new every season, and this was no exception. The set was amazing (as usual) with gemstones all over the place! AMAZING :*

5) Stella McCartney

The purple lashes were so cute and simple! Stella always manages to embody this strong powerful, yet sexy at the same time women through the clothes that she designs. The coats were some of the most beautiful parts in the collection. The royal blue was a stunning and standout color to use. The embroidery with white and black added class to the models. I was thoroughly impressed with this collection. and again like i said in my LFWF/W12 Round-UP, maybe she is stepping up her game because she is helping design for the Olympics? anyways, she does sporty chic well and should keep doing it.

6) Jean Paul Gaultier
He took inspiration from the streets of downtown. graffiti. It was evident in the hair and makeup as well as the clothes (duh). one pet peeve that i have with this collection is that i hate it when designers have their names either embroidered or 'out in the open' because i feel like it presents the brand as 'cheap' even though  it might not be. (which is why i'm not a big fan of Michael Kors). A variety of colors were present creating an amazing rainbow of colors. But the models walked like they had an attitude and a purpose.

7) Anthony Vaccarello
Sexy cut-outs and metallic textiles made this collection one to remember. as a newcomer into the fashion world, his collection this season focused mainly on tailoring. and thank god! because one of my favorite looks- suits- were starting to disappear from the runway, giving me a mini panic attack. The Vaccarelo brand is a modern and chic new brand that will very soon become a household name.

8) Balmain
EEKKK! This collection was so cut-to-perfection. one thing in collections that always win me over is the use of unique textiles and amazing details. I love the combination of a simple black legging with a gorgeous embroidered top that probably contains around 1,500 pearls. I think they have developed the 'Balmain Jacket' -- a boxy and oversized sweater with amazing details and embroidery. 

and there you have it... my PFW Fall/Winter 2012 Season Round-Up...what did you think? leave your comments or message me :)

xoxo,

Estelle