I'm Haute for Couture

As we grieve about winter, aching for warmer weather, magic is occurring in the fashion world. Couture has been prancing down Parisian runways, lighting up the lives of the fashion-obsessed across the globe. I always look forward to Spring/Summer runway shows for the generally upbeat vibe that radiates from each look. (And after all, the S/S shows are often the most colorful.) Couture fashion week, however, is always one of the most exciting occasions. This is when creativity comes alive, because these looks are not made to sell, rather they exemplify the artistic side of fashion rather than emphasizing commercialism. Though I love RTW shows, they truly do not compare to those of haute couture. My only regret is that more designers do not create couture looks; there are so many RTW designers that contain a wonderful mindset for dreaming up such creations.
Below I have featured the most colorful looks from the Spring 2012 couture season.

Alexis Mabille

Inspired by a photograph of model Lisa Fonssagrives on a beach, Alexis Mabille created a collection suited to the idea of the "science of color." Certainly the focus was on solids, each look presenting a new - but solitary - bright. Though the oversized roses situated on the top of each model's head serve as quite a distraction, once the eye finally drifts downwards it is evident that each garment is wonderfully crafted. Beautifully fitted silhouettes and extravagant detailing (especially in the light green look) make for a collection that only slightly verges on crazy, mostly sitting on the line of elegant. It is the headgear and painted faces that slide the collection over towards absurd; the clothing is thoughtfully designed, with most of the looks ending up as winners. (Some looks fall a bit short, such as a metallic neon pink shift, which could have been better conceived.) Over all, though one could argue that the details from chin up were necessary, it's these details that really make a couture show what it is. As viewers, we look for the little (or big) things that separate RTW from couture, the creative decisions that individualize designers and show off their artistic talent. Alexis Mabille certainly lived up to the standard that haute couture sets.

Giambattista Valli

Although the majority of Giambattista Valli's show consisted of blacks and whites, pops of color appeared in a set of pinkish-red gowns. Though as Girl Loves Color I'm probably biased, I would have to say that these looks stole the show. Color never fails to stand out and in haute couture shows, this is exactly what I look for. Not to mention that these gowns are perfectly appropriate with Valentine's Day rapidly approaching. Yes, the color palette is reminiscent of Valentine's Day, but the dresses embody elegance and pure femininity personified by truly genius designs by Valli. The two solid gowns are simple yet undeniably classy with certain nods of luxury. The two printed gowns are more on the extravagant side yet still contain a classic air. Just by glancing at these four looks, it is immediately evident that Valli is a talented designer who knows how to craftily shape fabric into mind-blowingly beautiful results.

Versace

All images from style.com

Despite the nice use of color for the Atelier Versace line, I wasn't that impressed with the brief collection that Donatella Versace showed. The designs were loyal to the brand's signature, but in the end the looks seemed to fall a bit short of where they should have been. It's almost as if Donatella was tired out from the H&M collaboration earlier this year, too worn out to put the necessary effort into her couture show. Regardless, the designs were still nice; I just have high standards for couture shows. A textured yellow dress with shoulder cut-outs was definitely a winner, along with a flaming orange one-shoulder minidress that I predict will make an appearance on the red carpet sometime this year. After all, Atelier Versace is becoming a favorite for the red carpet, and it looks like Donatella wanted to create some more stunners for her celebrity following.

Over all, there wasn't a large amount of color present on the couture runway shows. Color had its moment of greatness in the spotlight, but it seems like now a lot of designers are letting the excitement fade, opting for neutrals and pastels. There's nothing wrong with this, of course, but I wish more designers would consistently take advantage of the color wheel.

But the fall 2012 shows are right around the corner, and we'll see what happens to color next. 

What did you think of the Spring 2012 haute couture shows? Were you disappointed or pleased? Which designers were your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a vintage Missoni scarf.

xoxo