Paris Couture Week 2014: My Favorite Collections

Christian Dior

The latest couture collection shows extravagant pieces from different eras. It starts off with full, Marie Antoinette-inspired gowns in light pastels. It then transitions into jumpsuits similar to those worn by astronauts. There are several luxurious coats and mini dresses, perfect for the fall season. Most of the garments had bright colored embroidery and embellishment, and the shoes were made with curved heels to add flare. Here are some of my favorite looks:

see the full collection here >>

(photos: nymag.com)

Valentino

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli drew inspiration from the Roman era, with flowy silhouettes and gladiator sandals. Many of the garments were paired with leather accents and sheer tulle fabric. Printed gowns were covered in patterns of leaves to continue with the natural and rustic theme. Silhouettes were mostly A-Line, and a few standout pieces included a luxurious feathered coat and an extremely sheer gown with strategically placed appliqués. Here are some of my favorite looks:

see the full collection here >>

(photos: nymag.com)

Giorgio Armani Prive

Giorgio Armani never fails to give us a sophisticated look with a youthful twist. The Fall 2014 Couture collection stuck to a strict color palette of red, black, and white. Prints were playful, like oversized polka dots and geometric shapes. Classic pieces hit the runway first, like suits and three-quarter sleeve printed jackets. Then came the drama.....coats in swinging silhouettes and fluffy textures. The gowns did not hold back on the sparkle, and some even included coordinating veils. Accessories were simple, and included boxy handbags and single-strap heels. Here are some of my favorite looks:

see the full collection here >>

(photos: nymag.com)

Giambattista Valli

This collection resembled something out of an enchanted garden. Delicate floral patterns were seen on many of the gowns and skirts. Looks were accessorized with retro shaped sunglasses and scarves tied perfectly around the models' heads. Valli is known for focusing on femininity in his collections, which cannot be missed in any of the looks. Sheer fabric and bright colored fur was seen on a few of the garments. The final four looks included extremely full skirts in beautiful pastels. More accessories included oversized gold jewelry resembling flowers and leaves. Here are some of my favorite looks:

see the full collection here >>

(photos: nymag.com)

What are some of your favorite collections from Paris Couture Week?

Fall Fashion Week 2014: Paris

It's a bittersweet moment, as fashion month is coming to an end. However, Paris is usually where the best of the best unveil their collections. Here are my favorite collections:

Elie Saab

I am not exaggerating when I say that I am OBSESSED with this man. He is quite possibly my favorite designer, so I turn into an annoying 12-year old girl when he shows a new collection. There is no other fashion house that creates evening wear like he does. The gowns turned heads as usual, in shades like hunter green and burgundy. Saab also created sharp suits and dramatic coats for the upcoming winter. The collection was sleek and modern, with few floral prints. The suede shoes varied from strappy sandals to pointy-toe boots. Fur accents, lacework, and sequins on some of the pieces were breathtaking. Some of the gowns also had an ombre effect to them, making them even more glamorous. Here are my favorite looks: 

see the full collection here >>
A look for every occasion…..Elie Saab never dissapoints.

(photos: nymag.com)

Givenchy

Riccardo Tisci does not fail to dress women as powerful beings. He always manages to bring a masculine touch to his clothes. I would also consider him as one of my favorite designers. He creates beautiful statement pieces, especially when it comes to gowns. (Do you remember the Fall 2011 Haute Couture collection? LITERALLY A DREAM.) This collection was shown in a surprisingly intimate setting. Tisci usually takes the more theatrical approach when designing the runway. There were multiple short dresses at first, made of flowy fabric with subtle prints. Then the suits were shown, with bright geometrical accents. Leather jackets with fur trims and animal-inspired prints closed the show. Hair was simple, while makeup included sticking small red squares to models' temples. The modern look was finished with sheer gloves and strappy heels. Here are some of my favorite looks:

see the full collection here >>
How chic is the hair + makeup for this show?

(photos: nymag.com)

John Galliano

Bill Gaytten showed us the more ladylike side of the Galliano brand with this latest collection. He drew inspiration from furniture designer Marc Newson. The garments were modern with a slight edge to them. There were a few pieces with sweetheart necklines, and several high-waisted pants. The prints were almost crocodile like, and velvet was used in almost every piece. The architectural feel was carried throughout the show, with the last few gowns having small copper detailing on them. Gaytten also created gloves, along with platform booties and coordinating socks. Minimal makeup was used, along with pin straight hairstyles. Here are my favorite looks:

see the full collection here >>
Is it just me or is velvet everywhere this season?

(photos: nymag.com, Alessandro Lucioni/Imaxtree)

Alexander McQueen

The late Alexander McQueen was known for creating dramatic garments, each being beautifully constructed. Not many designers used the same textures and shapes as he did. I saw his exhibit Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the Met a few years ago and it was like nothing I have ever seen before. He was not a designer, he was an artist. He did not just create clothes, he named his collections as if they were productions (which you would agree with after seeing some of his past shows). He liked to include extraordinary introductions in his shows, using fire and various elements of nature. Take a look at some of the INSANE intros from the past:


From the Fall 1998 Collection titled Joan of Arc.



From the Spring 2001 Collection titled Voss.



From the Fall 2006 Collection titled Widows of Culloden.


From the Spring 2010 Collection titled Plato's Atlantis (McQueen's last collection)

The latest collection was incredibly soft and dream-like. The models walked on a natural, grass-covered runway in feminine silhouettes. The garments were not heavily structured, which was surprising. The dresses were flowy and many of them included delicate lacework. The coats had wide bell-shaped sleeves and oversized hoods, with bows and ribbons as details. Walking on the uneven terrain was easy, due to the chunky cap-toe boots. Models had intricately braided hair-dos and bleached eyebrows. Here are some of my favorite looks:

see the full collection here >>
Mcqueen would be so proud!

(photos: nymag.com, Danielle Oberrauch/info@obyphoto.com)

That's a wrap! What were some of your favorite collections at PFW?