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

xx

The Finale

It has literally taken me forever to finally get the energy and time to write a runway report for Paris Fashion Week. In my mind, Paris is the perfect location to act as a finish line for Fashion Week. Yes, I may think of Fashion Week as a marathon but that's not the point. The city of lights gives us everything we could ever ask for: glamour, forward thinking, and beyond chic clothes. So let's cut to the chase, shall we?

VIKTOR & ROLF 

(Photo Cred)

This collection is absolutely brilliant: I love the juxtaposition between the sharp silhouettes and the ribboned details. The colors are very spring; however, it's not your typical "springtime with pastels" color palette. Overall, the collection is completely cohesive, yet each look is unique. The ball gowns are true show stoppers. Also, doesn't the turquoise and black color combination remind you a lot of the prom scene from Grease? Just saying.

ALEXANDER McQUEEN

(Photo Cred)

I was listening to the Black Swan soundtrack when I was flipping through this collection; let me just say that the combination was quite fitting! Every single look is absolute perfection. All of the silhouettes are phenomenal and I love the intricate details that accompanied every ensemble. I think this collection truly proves that Sarah Burton is a fabulous designer: she is innovative and this collection is so reminiscent of McQueen's work. In love. L-O-V-E.

BALMAIN

(Photo Cred)

For Paris Fashion Week, this is such a wearable collection! The separates are versatile and super chic. Each look is pretty different; however, the gold accents tie the whole collection together. While the silhouettes are rather simple, the detailing really give these looks a "wow" factor. Absolutely incredible.

ELIE SAAB

(Photo Cred)

I always get so excited for Elie Saab's collection because I instantly think, "RED CARPET SEASON." I'm borderline obsessed with the colors, sequins, and overall glamour of the whole collection. Each look is phenomenal and unique. There's not much I can say except for I'm SO excited to see these looks stroll down the red carpet. 

DIOR

(Photo Cred)

This collection is a complete redemption from Bill Gaytten's horrific Couture Fall 2011 collection. I'm so enamored with the ladylike silhouettes in this collection. The prints that are featured in some of the dresses equals AMAZING. These looks are wearable and I think they could look good on a variety of shapes and sizes. Beautiful! BUT WHO WILL BE DIOR'S NEW DESIGNER? It's killing me.

VALENTINO

(Photo Cred)

There are two things that I'm  obsessed with: color and lace. The fact that these two elements are in the same collection literally blew my mind. While this season's collection isn't as classic as Valentino collections usually are, it is FABULOUS.

PACO RABANNE

(Photo Cred)

This collection may not be the most wearable; however, the innovation  is truly remarkable. In my mind, this will be fashion in the future: the shine, the details, and the crazy silhouettes. Welcome to the future, I hope you like it.

Well, ladies and gent, that's the end of the Spring RTW 2012 extravaganza. I hope it was entertaining and informative.

xx

Menswear Fall 2011: Would You Date That?

I've decided to add some fun to this blog with a new segment I call

"would you date that".

Here's how this section will work: I am going to review a plethora of looks from Menswear Fall 2011 and, to add the girly and creative touch, I'm doing to discuss the date-ability rating.

0= No Way

10= Here's my number.

So let's do this thing!

Photo Cred

Viktor&Rolf

Rating: 9

How can you go wrong with sleek? Viktor&Rolf's collection was so classy and sleek. I love how everything was so simple, yet there were pops of great color and different fabrics. Anyways, back to this specific look. So James Bond meets Michael Buble. In my opinion, there's absolutely nothing sexier than a black and white suit. Everyone can pull it off and look suave.

Photo Cred

Jean Paul Gaultier

Rating: 3

This collection overall was really quirky. But in terms of this look, I love how All-American and equestrian the sweater is, but real men do not wear skirts. That's just common sense. 

Photo Cred

Louis Vuitton

Rating: 4

Although I may secretly wish my own boyfriend embraced fur, this is definitely NOT a datable look. The pants and white suit jacket are relaxed enough to work for a bohemian kind of girl, the fur will get a guy nowhere, especially light fur like this. Dark fur is definitely more chic and luxe. If you took hints of dark fur and added it to a jacket, it's 10 material.

Photo Cred

Burberry Prorsum

Rating: 10

This is absolutely perfection. I love the shearling jacket, the pants are fitted like a boy's pants SHOULD be fitted. The color scheme is so manly but the actual outfit is the perfect amount of chic. Bravo, Burberry Prorsum, bravo!

Photo Cred

Missoni

Rating: 7

This look may not be as agreeable as Viktor&Rolf, but I think it's really hip and trendy. And  isn't everyone secretly attracted to hipsters? The plaid is so cool, and I love the multiple layers. This look definitely screams trendy without being too much...but maybe clashing might be a big issue. Seven because it's trendy, but not universally chic.

So in conclusion, I wonder if there is such a thing as a perfectly fashion forward man for all of us aspiring fashionistas.

I guess we'll have to find out!

xx

Your Inner Fashion Animal

For the past few weeks, I have been completely infatuated with Tom Selby and "The Selby". I think his pictures are honest, authentic, and a wee bit quirky. He's taken pictures of FABULOUS people like Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Louboutin. But my absolute favorite thing of Selby, at this moment of time, is his "Animals in Fashion" illustrations. They trigger imagination, are very cute, and quite fabulous. These illustrations, drawn by Tom himself, incorporate a plethora of designers' names and their designs: Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Proenza Schouler, Giles, Viktor & Rolf, and a several more. My personal favorites are the Vuitton-ed Woolly Mammoth (pictured and currently my background, NBD) and the D&G hedge-hog. And who says fashion isn't a jungle?

xx