The Paris Haute Couture shows are a dreamy time of year, one at which we can wrap our troubles in made-to-order, intricately beaded silk dreams.  This season’s couture shows did not disappoint.  First up was Christian Dior, with references to Gustav Klimt, Asian exotica, and the flowers of Spring.  Strutting down the runway to Led Zeppelin, wispy models showed off enormous, heavily beaded and artfully sculpted Galliano confections in eye-catching pastels and brights, with dizzyingly high and achingly modern shoes to match.

Valentino (above left) and Armani Prive (above right) both opted for an equally sweet color scheme, but these looks were far more classic in silhouette than the daring options at Dior.  Armani presented perhaps his most feminine collection in years, a sharp contrast to his usual traditional black-and-white evening looks.  Elegant pleating added a modernist edge to his form-fitting gowns and cocktail dresses.

The venerable Valentino’s presentation was a bit bittersweet - the clothes were soft, lovely, and very Valentino, but this collection is, sadly, his last.  But what a way to retire - hot on the heels of a universally acclaimed Spring showing, his couture show did not disappoint.  Mod pastel coats - tailored to perfection - and elegant floral ball gowns wowed a packed house of Hollywood and fashion luminaries including Uma Thurman and Marisa Berenson.

Dior, Armani, and Valentino presented very different shows, but all three featured soft Spring colors and plenty of pleating.  Get the couture look for a ready-to-wear price with these pieces from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

  

Posted on January 26th, 2008 by ashley