The 8 Best Looks From Fall Couture 2014

For the typical style savant, Couture Week is like Christmas, Hanukkah, Fourth of July, Valentine's Day, and your birthday rolled into a few days. With every show comes beautiful craftsmanship,  thought-provoking silhouettes, and extraordinary execution. While the looks that cascade down the couture catwalks don't directly translate to masses, you have to admit that they are some of the most beautiful runway shows of the year. Editing down hundred of outfits is no easy feat, but get your crash course in couture by taking a look at these eight jaw-dropping looks.

Armani Privé Look 8:  Couture shows aren't all about impressive beading and applique. Beautiful tailoring can be seen in even the most modern looks. Exhibit A? This super feminine alternative to a pantsuit. While the overall concept is undeniably classic, the voluminous trumpet sleeves revitalizes an otherwise safe look. Overall, Armani's collection juxatposed sleek matching separates with loofah-esque dresses and polka-dotted veils. Though the evening gowns are guarantees for several upcoming red carpets, there's nothing more refreshing than a crisp ensemble.

Christian Dior Look 48: It's no secret that Raf Simons is consistently killing it at Dior. With dashes of the brand's famous "New Look," the Creative Director meshes modernity and femininity to create the ultimate cool girl vibe. Though Simons's array of Marie Antoinette-inspired gowns started the show with a sartorial bang, it was the collection's fuss-free cocktail dresses that took center stage. Breezy shapes are paired with delicate beading and girlish applique. Consider these looks the essence of Simons's knockout couture collection: the perfect midpoint between lavish evening dresses and super hip pantsuits and minimalist coats. A far cry from last season's perforated dresses and flouncy silhouettes, this collection is proof that Simons does not dwell on the past. Instead, he always looks to the future.

Chanel Look 25: Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to glamorize the mundane during each couture show. Last season was all about adding luxurious sneakers to girly minis. This time, the beauty of this collection was utilizing interesting fabrics. From sequins to a lace-silicone blend, this collection is just begging to be touched. With furry sleeves and a hypnotic tweed, Lagerfeld spices up the ever-so-basic column dress. However, the experimental dress gets Coco Chanel's stamp of approval with a matching hat. Ultra chic.

Elie Saab Look 39: Even the biggest Elie Saab fan will tell you that the French designer's couture collections always offer the same thing: embellished evening gowns that are regulars during awards season. While the predictability of these collections can be a little frustrating, you have to admit that the execution and results are always impressive. Lately, Saab has been toying with embroidery and paneling in addition to his signature beading. The off-the-shoulder neckline, subtle slit and rich craftsmanship offers something new while staying true to his trademark aesthetic. While the industry is always gasping for a breath of fresh air, it never hurts to have one designer that you can always depend on.

Giambattista Valli Look 1: Without fail, Giambattista Valli always strives to redefine his "girl" during couture season. Last fall, she was a feminine warrior with painted florals and iron accessories. Just one season ago, she was a little more eclectic with bow-tied skirts and high-octane jewel tones. However, Valli's latest couture show took a stroll down memory lane. With hint of  the traditional shirtdress, retro full skirts, and classic hair wraps, the latest collection felt like a reincarnation of Grace Kelly's impeccably clean style. An asymmetrical shape with sharp stripes, Valli's opening look set the tone for the whole collection (with no questions asked). Further into the runway show, the designer played with intriguing textures; however, this collection proves that first impressions do matter.

Maison Martin Margiela Look 7: In the world of couture, Maison Martin Margiela is the spunky younger sibling. Though the brand's collections may not promise red carpet-worthy ensembles like Elie Saab, Margiela offers an artistic look at couture. Between jeweled masks and unexpected patchwork, this collection is anything but traditional. But in the midst of all the chaos lies a look that beautifully captures the craziness of Margiela with couture's stereotypical beauty. Though polka dots and florals don't generally seem like a print match made in heaven, the different densities of each fabric makes this strong combination easy on the eyes. The netted mask and geometric earrings give this look a perfectly whimsical finishing touch.

Valentino Look 60: Over the past few seasons, design duo Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli have been incorporating more streamlined, monotoned looks into their couture collections. However there's always a sheer embellished number that provides the perfect princess moment. And in a sea of new-aged florals and bold belts, it was one of Valentino's final looks that ultimately offered the "wow" factor. Sheer without the scandal, this look teeters between sexy and sophisticated. Though the silhouette is nothing new, Valentino gives a basic shape some depth with monochromatic clashing prints: the ethereal side panels perfectly complement the tribal pattern on the front of the dress. Tres chic.

Viktor & Rolf Look 15: Every season, there's one couture collection is so insanely creative, it is pure genius. For fall, that collection is none other than Viktor & Rolf. With carpet textures and towel dress shapes, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren strayed away from the conventional this time around. Though it takes a special style savant to sport a towel-inspired dress, this look makes the untraditional incredibly wearable. The patches of carpet fuzz offer a subtle risk while the sharp silhouette makes this dress perfect for the red carpet. If any dress from this collection is going to reach commercialized status, it's this number.

Which couture looks are you loving? Sound off below!

All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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