Runway Rave: Techno tribal

The Haute Couture spring collections are in full swing in Paris, and Jean Paul Gaultier's collection has been mindblowing. Just one scroll down the pictures, I could see mixed ethnic and bohemian influence striding down the runway. Apart from paying homage to the sci-fi blockbuster Avatar, this collection appears lmore ike a tribute to globalisation - an amalgamation of Mexican, Asian and Tribal. Each look was a feast for the eyes with the detailing and fanciful accessories, coupled with the models' giant sombreros.

A hint of the Amazonic indigenous tribes in this tulle gown decorated with geometric leaf cutouts, and a moss-adorned headgear.

Asians will definitely identify this look with chinese porcelain or 青花瓷, in a less delicate and more structured form.Techno tribal is all the rage, and will be here to stayeven after Alexander McQueen's spring showing, as shown in this corset-like minidress with a truly Gaultier style.

Weaving and macromaid details were seen on the dresses, and even in the models' hair and hats. The 'enfant terrible’ of Parisian couture is back to make waves again with this collection that goes beyond pretty and redefines bold.

source: style, modelcouture

Fresh Spreads: Trash Couture

Vogue Korea's December issue spells wow, and its the reason why it remains as one of my favourite Vogue editions today. The cover font and styling is always so different that it outshines its comtemporaries.

The cover may appear dark and somewhat unattractive to consumers, but nevertheless, it's still Karlie and her death stare.



Her editorial Trash Couture is far from trashy. Just take a look at the lighting and the gorgeous set, I think Vogue Korea is on its way to win international appeal. I will definitely want to grab a copy for it if I chance upon one!

source: thefashionspot

Spotlight: Tribute to Lacroix

On 7 June I rushed down to the National Museum of Singapore to catch Christian Lacroix the costumier. The exhibition brought in numerous fashion illustrations and costumes from Lacroix's atelier. Through this exhibition, I got to come up close and discover for myself the couturier's ingenuity as a stage costumier.

Firstly, the illustrations of the costumes for various theatre pieces truly reflect the Lacroix aesthetics. Behind each stroke of ink and pencil was spontaneity, vibrancy and humour. His sketches were the first signs of innate creativity as a designer, expressing the silhouettes and dazzling colours on paper.

Lacroix definitely finds theatrical solutions to couture dresses. Each costume was intricately crafted with vibrant textures, such as a corset-like belt embellished with upholstery fringes and heavy layers of taffeta, lace and tulle. The tutu in Les anges ternis were my favourite. Tulle mini skirts in full swing - a depiction of elegance and grace. Lacroix commented on the ballet tutu, "It's a mad invention, both magical and surreal. But tutus are part of tradition. And that's where they take their full measure, their full value."

Les anges ternis (Tarnished angels)

Carmen

Cendrillon (Cinderella)

Il re pastore

La femme sans ombre

Lacroix's illustrations and embellished costumes paint a picture of spectacular elegance light-hearted fantasy revue. One thing to note even in the face of a shaky future for the couturier's house, Lacroix remains an unforgotten legacy on stage.

Runway Rave: A fairytale bride

Reem Acra recently showed her Spring 2010 bridal collection in New York. The gowns showed off intricate beading, fluffy gathers of tulle and traditional ruffles and drapery.

The little white dress never goes out of style. Pile on luscious clouds of tulle and lace...voila, a gorgeous dress is created out of a fairytale.

The Power of White. Spring 09's white Haute couture featured in Vogue Italia March 09

Gorgeous valentino haute couture in Vogue Italia fall 08.

Bride wears hanbok. The tradition Korean Hanbok comes clean in pure white.

Pirates romance at Jean Paul gaultier spring 08

source: style.com, thefashionspot, newjerseybride

t.r.e.n.d: roses in couture

chanel hc spring 09, valentino hc spring 09

roses are red

violets are blue

roses near disappear in couture

The haute couture shows in paris were not new, but it was nothing short of extravagant and beautiful. I loved the way designers such as Elie Saab and Valentino created cascading gowns in pastel shades, and how they played with layers of sheer chiffon and organza. But it was the rose that took the stage this spring, defining what new romanticism is.

At Chanel, the headpieces adorned with roses added colour to the largely monochromatic collection, whereas Valentino's little red shift dress appeared more romantic than futuristic with rose details. The last Valentino gown was a head turner with pretty ruffles folding into a rose at the back.

source: model couture, the fashion spot

Runway Rave: Couture S/S 09

*We're really sorry for the lack of updates, as we just started our first year in junior college and are really busy with orientation :)

Another season of couture shows just rocked the fashion world. For me, the most outstanding was JEAN PAUL GAULTIER, followed by ARMANI PRIVE.
I really adore the concepts, inspirations and influences in both collections. While Jean Paul Gaultier's sheer dresses were imprinted with western calligraphic strokes that seemed to come alive while models floated down the runway, Armani Prive went heavy with structure and adorned the sharply tailored creations with motifs present in Chinese culture, such as dragons and lucky clouds.

What I appreciated most was that these collections, though loaded with lots of details and treats for the eye, were overall coherent, and not mere bombardment to the senses. Both sent strong first looks down the runway, and as the shows proceeded, a drama seemed to unfold in front of my eyes. The creations seemed to grow bigger and bolder, ending off with spectacular gowns that blew me away!

Show-stopping and jaw-dropping dresses graced the runway throughout the show:

This semi-circular shaped dress is one of a kind, and seems to display dome-shaped architectural influence, while the sheer gown on the right looks like an abstract piece of calligraphic work -- I love how Gaultier applies the calligraphic swirls to the edges of the gown, leading the viewer's eye down a smooth seam or fold on the gown.

The headpieces and accessories were as usual, impressive and exaggerated. Those fake hair pieces served as line art, fitting the calligraphic-inspired collection. So were the earrings, hair and makeup. Eyes and eyebrows were lined with bold, yet smooth strokes, as if the face were a piece of script for calligraphy. The models' hair was also combed neatly in curves at the sides of the faces, to correspond to the calligraphic and sinuous lines present in the collection.

On the other hand, Armani Prive showcased a striking collection with strong Chinese cultural influences, ranging from dragon motifs to red tassels found on lanterns. My favourite looks included:

Red and glossy black were dominant colours in the collection, while the lucky cloud motif repeated itself on the runway occasionally

While the structure of the red dress is rather reminescent of Alexander Mcqueen's architectural and sculpted dresses, the white dress reminds me of a porcelain vase with immaculate motifs of lotuses and waves painted on it -- Drop-dead gorgeous.

Image source: style.com/ the fashion spot