Spring Couture 2014: Craftmanship of Dior

via style.com

The beauty of Couture is the ability to make you dream. One of my favorite shows this season is the Christian Dior Spring 2014 show. Attention was devoted to the fabrication itself; the pleating, cutwork, and latticework of sheer fabrics and translucent overlays. The past collections were more extravagant and theatrical when Galliano was at the helm, but there is quiet power over this new and more intimate vision of Raf Simons, allowing the beauty of the fabrics to be the main highlight of the collection.

Dior is fastly becoming a favorite of mine.

Haute Couture Spring 2013: Valentino

images via style.com

I have developed a greater fondness for Valentino after seeing the film a few years ago. These are a few of my favorite pieces from Valentino Couture Spring 2013. The neckline on the right looks like piped icing on a cake.

Haute Couture Spring 2013: Elie Saab

Images via  Style.com

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that one of my favorite designers is Elie Saab. Every time I see his Haute Couture collection, I feel like I'm drifting through clouds of pastel cotton candy. His confections are always dreamy pastel gowns whipped with elegantly placed beads and lace. The beauty is definitely in the workmanship of the lace and applique details.

Up Close and Intimate at Jean Paul Gaultier's exhibit

I was a little too 'snap happy' at the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, so I have decided to divide this into two parts. It was the perfect opportunity to practice my photography skills and capture fashion on still models, so I have over a hundred photos.

Already having seen the Alexander Mcqueen exhibit at the MET, I felt a bit spoiled. I was incredibly impressed with the thoughtful presentation from Mcqueen's exhibit and the high caliber of work, I wondered how JPG's exhibit could push the bar.  

Well, it did and it didn't.

First of all, JPG is not my favorite designer, but I had to see his work because of his influence on fashion and his contribution to many iconic looks (ie. Maddona's cone bra). I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation of the talking mannequins and the rotating models which brought some humor and life to the clothes, but I I also found JGP's interpretation of themes just too literal. His workmanship is no doubt extraordinarily detailed and impressive to see up close, but somehow, it lacks the beauty of refinement.

Overall, I enjoyed the exhibit and it definitely is a must-see if you are in Montreal. I walked away  feeling inspired and amazed. Stay tuned for Part two.

Warning: Post is image heavy

I thought this was a real skin until I looked closer.. it's beads! OMFG..

This was incredibly ugly, but executed extremely well. I was emotionally torn on this one..

Native American princess bride

The entrance to the exhibition with talking JPG on the right.

Couture Spring 2011: Dior's New Look

I always look forward to the Haute Couture shows during this time of year.  It always serves as a guide for what will trickle down into retail fashion and more RTW clothing.

I find that this collection, John Galliano has toned down his extravagance and really fine tuned his craft. He has churned out some beautiful chiaroscuro confections, blending washes of colour with layers and layers of tulle. An homage to René Gruau, the illustrator who drew for Dior in the fifties and the forties, the silhouettes are reminiscent of the New Look with tight waists and flared skirts.

By far, this is my favorite collection from the Haute Couture show.