couture tribute: spring/summer 2007

I don't remember why 2007 is such a big year in my head... but I highly suspect it is because of the Spring/Summer  2007 Couture season. This was before the big financial crisis hit and the big guns put on show the most theatrical works with minimal regard for economic viability.

Of course much has changed since 2007. John Galliano is no longer with Christian Dior and Christian Lacroix filed for bankruptcy and staged his (possibly) last couture show in 2009. My love for Gaultier fluctuates, but I think he was on the top of his game in this season.

To me, these 3 shows are the epitome of the beauty, extravagance and flamboyance of haute couture. Enjoy.

Christian Dior

I remember the stir this particular collection caused in the fashion press. It is orgasmic. The Japanese references cannot be lost on anyone- the incredible construction of the origami dress, the fuschia suit and the exaggerated peplum of orange bloom. Galliano's skills as a couturier and his eye for colour are unparalleled- shame about the drunken antisemetic outburst.

Christian Lacroix

Spring. That's all I think of when I see this collection. It's not the most original theme, obviously, but Lacroix has the ultimate green fingers (what a clever pun). To this day, a Lacroix SS2007 CTW dress remains my dream wedding dress. I will take any of the above, though I am leaning towards the peach number that falls in the most delicate cascades of ruffles.

Jean Paul Gaultier

This is probably my favourite collection in terms of originality. Who else better than the enfant terrible to bring the Bible into fashion? The headpieces are stunning, obviously inspired by halos crowning the Virgin Mary in medieval religious paintings, and panels of these paintings feature in a couple of the dresses. The blues and the beige/browns really do it for me, especially the medieval-shaped dress on the bottom right and the sweeping blue gown with gold threading radiating from the divine (biblical) Madonna's heart.

Source: Style.com

paris couture week autumn/winter 2012/13

Continuing with the Paris theme (third time today), Mode à Paris has released the schedule for Paris Couture Week! Extremely psyched. Highlights for me:

1 July

Versace

2 July

Christian Dior

Giambattista Valli

3 July

Chanel

Georgio Armani Prive

Givenchy

4 July

Elie Saab

Jean Paul Gaultier

Valentino

Counting down... 18 days.

In anticipation of Paris Couture Week, I think it's fitting to do a series of tributes to past Couture weeks... starting with the legendary Spring/Summer Season 2007 (dun dun dun).

lanvin boutique window installation, paris

Looks like there's another street I'll have to hit in Paris next weekend... Amazing Lanvin has unveiled a gorgeous window installation aptly named 'Birds of Paradise'. These will make the perfect backdrop for a post-dinner stroll down rue du Faubourg St. Honore.

Source: Lanvin

balenciaga saint-honoré boutique, paris

I must admit that even though I LOVE Balenciaga (the first designer bag I ever saved up for and bought with my money is a second-hand 2007 teal Balenciaga City with gunmetal hardware, a limited edition for Nieman Marucs), I've never been to any of their boutiques. I'm not even embarrassed to confess that I find these shops exceedingly intimidating.

But then I saw these photos of their new boutique in on rue St-Honore in Paris, and I think I might swing by next weekend when I'm in town. I love the clashing colours and patterns, the way the lights are arranged makes it look the store is made up of different runways. It is a perfect reflection of Ghesquiere's modern and even futuristic design ethos. Models would be perfectly at home walking up and down the store in the Spring 2007 RTW collection, still one of my favourite shows to date.

Actually, I could picture myself looking there...

Source: Balenciaga

elie saab: balade a paris

Exams are over, summer is here... well, if it ever stops raining.

I am counting down the 10 days till Paris, my second time in the capital of romance. Looking forward to an amazing meal at Le Restaurant and Au Petit Sud Ouest, lingering at the Musée de l'Armée, eating macarons at Parc Monceau, flitting from stall to stall at the Marché Bastille, and watching the sun set behind the Eiffel Tower.

Coincidentally, Elie Saab released this beautiful short film, Balade a Paris, introducing their Pre-Fall line in Paris last Friday. It's absolutely gorgeous. The screenshots don't do the video justice.

Images: Elie Saab