Couture is an easy sell among the super rich

(Christian Lacroix Fall 2008 Couture)

So the Paris Couture Week wrapped up last week and there was some truly spectacular couture. Ever wonder who can afford this kind of clothes when a piece can demand $100,000, especially in the current credit crunch? The article in The Guardian A cut above the rest tells you all about it. Basically it’s the super rich who do not feel the credit crunch at all. The big fashion houses aren’t worried about the sales. And they are more than willing to pour money into the couture pieces because they see it as Research and Development, and experiment for the designer, as well as the image and the brand behind the name.

As if paying homage to the all-pervasive mood of impending economic meltdown, the models strutting down the catwalk in their teetering heels, tight skirts and Greta Garbo-style bonnets would have looked at home in a glamorous Hollywood movie of the 1930s. John Galliano, creative supremo at Dior, it appeared, had heard that the International Monetary Fund and George Soros are calling the year-long credit crunch the biggest financial shock to the global economy since the 1930s and come up with a haute couture response: Depression chic.

Quite wrong, of course, and not just because this is not yet a 1930s-style slump or anything like it. Any echoes of a bygone age are less to do with conjuring up memories of dole queues and soup kitchens than creating an impression of sumptuous glamour for a clientele so loaded that they are oblivious to the downturn.

Haute couture, quite simply, is a world apart. When asked for her views about the Armani collection, the young woman in the front row turned out to be a member of the Thai royal family. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari, 21, said she liked to come to the shows in Paris and Milan with an eye to buying couture shoes and bags, or perhaps an Armani jacket. “But I’m not the sort of person who shops all the time,” she added. That may well be true, but to be frank, she did not appear to be the sort of person losing sleep over the global food crisis either.

Continue reading the article here.

Chanel Fall 2008 Couture show

Wow check out Chanel’s Fall 2008 Couture show! There are a LOT of tweeds and knits. I’m most impressed by these architecture-like pieces (evening wear?). These are just unreal!

(photo source: hollyscoop.com)

Oscar de la Renta Resort show

Isn’t this dress from Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009 show heavenly? The clothes really bring me to a fantasy island in my mind. Love!

From Style.com: “It’s a very happy collection,” said a relaxed Oscar de la Renta as he greeted guests filing into 583 Park Avenue, a venue that had been transformed by Stefan Beckman into a sort of minty-fresh aqua and white garden. Sure, the economy’s barreling downhill, the Democratic nominees are locked in a grinding duel, and gas may hit $5 a gallon, but life does go on. And when it does, Oscar’s lady who lounges, lunches, and loves to look fabulous will need something to wear. The designer covered her daytime needs with shantung skirtsuits, slim shift dresses, and high-waisted trousers, along with more playful options like a sparkling white sweater with an emerald gazar skirt. Bags and shoes came coordinated to the hilt, treading close to the point of distraction. But it was evening that was at the heart of this show. There was everything from a chocolate-box assortment of L.B.D.’s to sleek hammered-silk columns to a finale of massive, meringuelike ball gowns. An ocean blue stunner with a cascade of curlicue ruffles was pure de la Renta, while a white silk gown with a black bodice kept things simple. In these trying times, the good life doesn’t always need to make a ruckus.

(Source: style.com)

Topshop Unique Fall 2008

I love Topshop and I wish they would get over here to Canada already. But what’s with the disproportionately huge garments in the show? The model looks like she’s playing in her dad’s jacket. It’s literally falling off her shoulders. And those giant bucket-like pockets on washed-out white demin? I’m baffled about these two things.

See the complete Topshop Unique Fall 2008 collection here

Tibi, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Rodarte

Tibi - I love Tibi, it’s simply one of the best contemporary labels. Everything in this collection looks so wearable, it is perfect for career girls. Look how adorable Tibi’s designer Amy Smilovic looks!

See the complete Tibi Fall 2008 show here

Marc by Marc Jacobs - A very girly collection, I like it. Maybe that’s why I like Marc better than the Marc Jacobs’ main line. Marc is younger, cuter and fresher. I’m so glad to see shift dresses are staying! And bow accents! Look at the gigantic bows on the cute little black dresses Seeing this collection makes me excited to see what Marc Jacobs F2008 collection will be like.

See the complete Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall Winter 2008 show here

Rodarte - totally unwearable! Lol. I’m kidding. But seriously these gorgeous clothes are more than just clothes, they are an artistic vision! And the shoes are fierce.

See the complete Rodarte Fall 2008 show here

(Source: coutorture.com)

Proenza Schouler, Doo.ri, Badgley Mischka, and Chris Benz

Proenza Schouler - I am head over heels for this dress, I had to blow it up. All the clothes are gorgeous, it’s all about cutting and folding. Every piece, the blouse, the jacket, the pants, is of superior construction.

See the complete Proenza Schouler Fall 2008 show here

Doo.ri - I’m ooh-ing and ahh-ing over this dress! I don’t know what it is about layered organza silk that makes me weak in the knees. Love the bell silhouette. It`s so fairytail-like pretty.

See the complete Doo.ri Fall 2008 show here

Badgley Mischka - nobody does Parisian chic like Badgley Mischka. Love the perfect Veronica Lake hair and the anitque jewelry.

See the complete Badgley Mischka Fall 2008 show here

Chris Benz - seeing these poofy-haired doll-like models in these obviously vintage inspired suits, dresses and furs is quite interesting. Very quicky and whimsical. Check out the shoes!

See the complete Chris Benz Fall 2008 show here

(Source: coutorture.com and style.com)

Betsey Johnson, Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Terexov

Betsey Johnson - the show and the clothes looked so much fun, I don’t know of any girl who doesn’t want to be a free-spirited Betsey girl. They are sexy, pretty, girly, vivacious just like Betsey herself. I just love how adorable she looks in her own dress with her granddaughter.

See the complete Betsey Johnson Fall 2008 show here

Oscar De La Renta - oh my God, can’t you just die?! The gowns are absolutely gorgeous, the movie stars are going to be all over those for Oscar’s red carpet (if there’s going to be one). Everything is so sexy, feminine and glam! Even a sweater is glamorous, check out the purple knit jacket on Jessica Stam, total glam!

See the complete Oscar De La Renta Fall 2008 show here

Carolina Herrera - aren’t the clothes majorly dramatic? There must’ve been a story behind CH’s design inspirations for this season. There’s much more toughness than her past collections, the gentlemen’s hat, the feather, the men’s jacket, and the boots, mixed with silky skirts and dresses. Looks like her ladyship is embarking on an arduous and adventurous journey.

See the complete Carolina Herrera Fall 2008 show here

Terexov - The garments look full of movement even in the photographs! That’s amazing. Imagine how they beautifully flow in real life. The lines are smooth and clean yet so regal. I am in love with the red gown and the red skirtsuit.

See the complete Terexov Fall 2008 show here

(Source: coutorture.com)

Diane Von Furstenberg, DKNY, and Charles Nolan

Diane Von Furstenberg - wow my most favorite show so far, DVF does not disappoint. All the clothes are just gorgeous, so glamorous. The rich colors and prints are gorgeous, that feather flapper dress is just stunning. And those giant totes would be fab for travel.

See the complete Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2008 show here

DKNY - totally loved this show too, both the womens and mens looked fab. The looks are so cute, preppy and youthful but totally put together. The richness of the fabrics and the archetectural cuttings are stunning make the babydoll dresses much more updated than the shapeless ones that I’m sure everybody’s sick of seeing.

See the complete DKNY Fall 2008 show here

Charles Nolan - always such a fun show to watch by having children in the cute clothes too, doesn’t the young lady in the cape and skirt look like Blair from Gossip girl? So cute. And again I’m a big fan of the 50’s silhouette, love those full skirts.

See the complete Charles Nolan Fall 2008 show here

(source: coutorture.com)

Victorya Hong

Thanks, Jelly, for leaving us the link to the photos from Victorya Hong Fall 2008 show. Jelly, you are right that the clothes were boring, boring skirts, shirts, vests, black or grey dresses with no standout detailing. There was a nice jacket and a pretty simple purple dress, which seem very wearable. But essentially everything was too safe. I think there was a pair of high-waisted pleated pants too!

And here’s the video of the show from MyItThings.com magazine

Costello Tagliapietra, Mara Hoffman, Alexander Wang, and Juan Carlos Obando

Costello Tagliapietra - Truly beautiful dresses in deep rich tones. Seems purple is the color to watch for.

See the complete Costello Tagliapietra Fall 2008 show here

Mara Hoffman - very artistic looking collection. The prints are gorgeous, especially the black and white print that’s used throughout the collection.

See the complete Mara Hoffman Fall 2008 show here

Alexander Wang - Wow tough girl looks. Lots of industrial-looking pants, jackets, sweaters, ripped demin skirts, even the tights are ripped! But there are some really feminine pieces too, the flouncy white blouses and the pale pink dresses. Somehow it all comes together.

See the complete Alexander Wang Fall 2008 show here

Juan Carlos Obando - air-light goddess dresses. Love love love! Pairing with leather jackets and gloves is a fun twist.

See the complete Juan Carlos Obando Fall 2008 presentation here

(Source: coutorture.com)

Erin Fetherston, Nicole Miller, Douglas Hannant, and Vera Wang Lavender Label

Erin Fetherston - some of the looks are a little witch-y for me, I don’t know, maybe it’s the models. The floor-sweeping dresses are beautiful though.

See the complete Erin Fetherston Fall 2008 show here

Nicole Miller - apparently her inspiration came from the brave warrior Joan of Arc. You can really see some strong lines and structures here. The pleasted silk dress does look a bit like armor, yet it also looks soft and flowy. I love the jackets and coats the best, very cutting-edge.

See the complete Nicole Miller Fall 2008 show here

Douglas Hannant - very glamorous, old-world elegance here. I love the beautiful body-hugging gowns and the ultra-feminine pencil skirtsuits. I see movie stars and socialites wearing these soon.

See the complete Douglas Hannant Fall 2008 show here

Vera Wang Lavender Lable - Vera Wang’s first-ever runway show for her lower-priced Lavender Label collection. The show took place in a very old-world town house restaurant called Bobo, which suited perfectly for the show. Lots of tweed skirtsuits and silk blouses with touches of fur. The accessories are the ever classic long antique pearl necklaces, berets and skinny belts.

(Source: stlye.com)

Fashion Week’s underway!

So the first day of shows is over.

Here are photos from some of the shows thanks to Coutorture!

BCBG Max Azria - always a favorite of mine, love the structured dresses and the emphasis on the waist, belts on every outfit, but the belts are softer and quieter. Are the wide shiny patent metallic belts going away?

Check the entire BCBG Max Azria show here

Jason Wu - another favorite of mine. It’s very 50’s, super feminine and elegant. No short dresses here.

Check the entire Jason Wu show here

Rag & Bone - all black, brown, grey, and navy, not a bright color in sight. Very clean silhouettes. Again cinched waists. Love the tweed suit dress.

Check the entire Rag & Bone show here

FW - Carolina Herrera, Betsy Johnson, Luca Luca, and Marc Jacobs

So the Fashion Week is over! Let’s look at some more of my favorites as the end note.

Carolina Herrera

Betsy Johnson

Luca Luca

Marc Jacobs

FW - Milly, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Richard Chai

Milly - interesting that there are quite a few turbans in the show. I wonder if this trend really will stick around or rather, take off, next year, considering it wanted to this year but I didn’t see many people adopting it. I really like Milly’s designer Michelle Smith’s dress when she came out in the end. Very feminine shape and pretty print.

Diane Von Furstenberg - lots of ethnic inspired prints and vibrant colors. Like what NY Times’ Cathy Horyn said, “There was indeed a lot of uncomplicated love in this show — for those caftans and long halter dresses that Ms. Von Furstenberg does better than anyone else, and for a smart variation on her signature wrap dress, now in khaki silk shantung.”

Zac Posen - What do you think of Zac Posen’s collection? The gowns are quite “elaborate”, aren’t they? I love LOVE the bags!!

Richard Chai - lots of menswear elements, incredibly wide-legged pants (look awesome on the models), extra-long blazers, oversize grey sweaters, very edgy but go so wel with feminine blouses, dresses and skirts.

FW - Micheal Kors, Peter Som, Rebecca Taylor, Temperley London

Micheal Kors - always one of my favorites every season. Love the big hats!

Peter Som - simple and elegant, very much like his usual collections. The models look kinda scary and deathly lol.

Rebecca Taylor - feminine and sexy with lots of ruffles, tight skirts, and shimmery dresses.

Temperley London - love the dress and boot combo.