Couture! Couture!

The Spring Haute Couture shows are always my favourite, and this year was certainly no disappointment. As expected, florals were everywhere, from the recycled-paper headgear at Chanel, to the petals on the runway at Givenchy. Here were my favourite looks:

Armani Prive: wonderfully Parisian-chic, pencil-skirt silhouette, lots of stiff lace, obi-like bows on stomach, and architectural elements (LOVE the skirt on the 5th picture). Note the little fan patterns on the second skirt. ISN'T IT PRETTY?!

Chanel: classic (as always, after all, it's Chanel!), amazing floral headgear (I read that it was made from recycled office paper!), classic shape, love the tulip skirt in the 5th picture.

Christian Dior: My favourite show this season. John Galliano out-dos himself every time. Theme seems to be English Garden Party; large regal feathered hats, corsets, cinched waists and full skirts. It took me a while to decide which 6 looks I would choose to put on this post (if I had my way, the whole show would be on this post).

Elie Saab: Asian-inspired with the stiff collars and obi belts, long column gowns, ruffles and roses, pastels as expected.

Jean Paul Gaultier: rather dark and gothic for a Spring collection, but at closer inspection, one would find that there are floral cut-outs on the side of the pants and skirts, interesting element with the black 'wings' on the shoulders of several looks (pictures 4&5), no idea what it is, but I sure hope it isn't human hair.

Givenchy: Asymmetry is a biggie here. Very Balmain at a glance, with the bandage dresses and layered scallopped skirt (4th picture), but not as sparkly.

Christian Lacroix: this collection is love. Heaps of really pretty floral prints, tulle, sequins, polka dots and lace (my favouritest things ever). I find the shoes really fascinating: the cross between a ballet slipper and a pointy pump. The jackets are ridiculously pretty, and I'M GOING TO WEAR THAT DRESS IN THE THIRD PICTURES TO OUR CRUISE. It's everything in my criteria (yes, I make myself a criteria. It keeps me from leaping madly onto every single dress I see). One shouldered, huge display of some kind on the shoulder, cinched waist, poofy skirt. Tick, tick, TICK!

Valentino: I'm madly in love with all the ruffles, layers and patterns. Lots of sheath and column dresses and tall long skinny silhouettes.