Spring 2011 Haute Couture Coverage: Georges Chakra and Stephane Rolland

by April Wirth, Paris Correspondent

Georges Chakra

Georges Chakra's spring couture collection was in fact the very epitome of Haute Couture: wearable art. The collection was any magpie's dream, with sparkling embellishments sprayed allover dresses and a even a pair of skinny leggings. Flowers and feathers were also abundant, with the whole show maintaining a fantasy garden-party mood. Beginning with soft watercolours and pastels, the colour intensified as the show progressed and dresses became studded with little flower buds. Chakra found many ways to wrap the woman's body in fabric, making it resemble a flower. A few notable dresses in fact made the models appear as though blooming tulip buds. Quite impressively, the designer also managed to throw some new, less body conscious shapes into the collection. An absolute standout was the white strapless dress with gold twisted into it.

Stephane Rolland

For Spring 2011 Haute Couture, models were transformed into beautiful goddesses of the sand dunes in some earthly desert or maybe on another planet a la Princess Leah. Either way the collection was simple and liquid, using the flowing fabric to make the biggest statement. All lines were soft and embellishments were sparse, but came in the form of either double ringed metal belts or giant rocks. Shoulders were wide, but in a new way, and much of the collection had an almost architectural influence. A few dresses had armour-like metal additions, and one dress appeared to have a coffee stain on it. Rolland has successfully reconfirmed his importance with this collection: proving that he is moving fashion forward, and in the right direction.

Photos via Nowfashion.com

Alexandre Vauthier Haute Couture Spring 2011

by April Wirth, Paris Correspondent

Alexandre Vauthier never fails to make wonderful clothes, but this spring's Haute Couture collection was rather disappointing. Influenced by the days of old Hollywood glamour as well as perhaps the 70's, the lineup consisted of strong-shouldered and slinky jumpsuits and dresses, most of them nipped in at the waist with a metal belt a la last season Gucci. Most of it was less than original. Extreme backlessness and intriguing (and figure-flattering!) cut outs did add something new to the mix however. It did not help that some of the models were having impossible difficulty navigating the runway in pencil skirts and 100mm Louboutin stilettos either. Vauthier's redemption came in the form of the 3 truly Couture jewels in the collection -- specifically the dangerously low V-neck minidress that was literally dripping with embellishment.

Photos via Fashionnow.com

Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

by David Pedroza, Editor in Chief

John Galliano touched on a very close subject to the House of Dior, for Spring 2011. This collection was inspired by fashion illustrator Rene Gruau's technique of drawing. Gruau's painterly hand was evident in the new Bar suits and balloon dinner dresses. The classic Dior silhouette was exaggerated and modernized with soft draping and abstract embroideries that where left to fade into the fabrics. The waist was severely nipped, and skirts jetted out with large crinolines. Most of the looks where created with bold, heavy fabrics which where layered with tulle to create a painted texture. The house presented it's collection at the Musée Rodin, to accommodate a larger audience of 800, showing that haute couture is still prevalent and relevant in today's world.

Photos via Style.com

Coming up: Haute Couture Spring 2011

Photo, Atelier Givenchy Haute Couture

Monday, January 24, marks the first day of Haute Couture. This is the most ornate and opulent week of the season, where designers offer creations of experimentation and exquisite workmanship. Couturiers Christophe Josse and Gustavo Lins, join La Chambre syndicale de la haute couture, showing there haute couture collections as offical members this season. Many new comers will present collections off the official calender, such as Fabian Rozan , Laurence Andre, and Didit Hediprasetyo; although not official Haute couture, their work will carry the same integrity and process of traditional couture. There will also be the absents of couturier Dominique Sirop, who has not shown a collection for the past two seasons. The collections will close on January 27 with the showing of Haute Joaillerie, by jewelers Boucheron, Chanel Joaillerie, Chaumet, Dior Joaillerie, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Master The Art of Style will cover the shows and events during Haute Couture Spring 2011.

Editor's choice: Eau de Pamplemousse Rose

by David Pedroza, Editor in Chief

Searching for a new perfume is a challenge that is often avoided, since we tend to stick to one scent. I recently had a craving for something new, but the thought of a over done fragrance that overpowers my essence is a scary thought. At last, I came across a new scent that captured my affections, Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, by Hermes. I simply could not resist the mix of grapefruit, orange, rose, rhubofix, and vetiver. Its light, crisp, fresh scent is a beautiful harmony of notes that would complement any aura!

Eau de Pamplemousse Rose, bottle with pump, 6.5 fl.oz, $165.00, at Hermes, NYC