Couture,Couture: Fall 2010 Couture

This season, I was underwhelmed with some and overwhelmed by many. Couture is essentially taking the time to sit and focus on molding fabric into pieces of art and yes, some of that was seen this season, but it wasn’t much. I felt like some of the designers I am used to seeing the best from slacked off, while designers I never thought to take a second look at took the step to becoming designers now imprinted in my mind. Overall I would say the collections were O.K., not fantastic as a whole, but still worthy of taking the time to delve into what these designers have done. Here are my reviews of each collection and remember to check out the shows in their entirety on Style.com.
While reading this, you may think I went a little hard on some of these guys but, hey, that’s fashion. You either like it or you don’t. But don’t be swayed by my opinion. Wear what you love and love what you wear and don’t ever be intimidated by anyone who doesn’t like it.

Bouchara Jarrar




Let’s start with the show I was least impressed with. For her sophomore season in couture, Bouchara Jarrar deserves respect for being the only one of two women to show during this couture season. Kudos to Jarrar for being an ambitious, strong woman who can stand up for herself in a world largely dominated by men. On that note, I was really disappointed. Maybe it’s my love of frills, lace, sparkles and everything that’s girly, that is keeping me from having any feelings of delight from this collection, but I really can’t say that I was jumping out of my seat from excitement. The straight lines of each garment combined with the dehydrated color choice of white induced feelings of discontent. Impeccable tailoring? Yes, but still unworthy of high praise. Blehhhhhh. That’s really all I can end the review of this collection with. You’ll get it next time Bouchara.

Armani Prive




Since I’m moving in the direction of collections I hated the most to collections I loved the most, next in the hate line is Giorgio Armani’s collection. If I could stop writing profusely and use one word to describe this collection it would be: DRY. Ughhhhhh Why would anyone take the time to create a couture collection full of boring separates and the over usage of the unappealing camel color that seemed to show up in just about every single outfit in this collection? I could go on and on about how boring this collection is, but I won’t. Luckily I found two options that weren’t quite as boring as the rest.

Jean Paul Gaultier




The next collection was not bad at all. I actually enjoyed the simplicity of the collection. I am all for bells and whistles when it comes to dressing, but I actually found it quite refreshing to see a man that does somewhat extravagant pieces, do a collection that is much more simpler than what we are used to. What struck me as the most interesting piece of the collection was the random pops of color that appeared throughout the collection. They were a pleasant surprise. I also was thoroughly impressed with the gorgeous headpieces. That said, I miss the extravagance, but it was still a job well done.

Chanel




Karl didn’t do a bad job. This was a very interesting collection and I don’t really know if I completely hate or even completely love it. It of course was beautiful (anything Karl Lagerfeld does is beautiful) but in, my opinion, it was lacking the magical touch that Chanel shows usually have. The whole lion theme was fabulous if I say so myself, but there was still something missing. It wasn’t terrible by any means, but I just wish he went the extra mile with this one.

Alexis Mabille




I was truly surprised when I took a look at this collection. I’ve never really given Alexis a chance. I’ve found his collections to be uninspiring and just not for me in the past, but as I began to go through the collection, my mind was quickly changed. The beautiful lace detailing on some of the garments was simply delectable. I also enjoyed the little elements such as some ruffling and the appliqué that was seen on the last dress. He did a marvelous job and I would wear every single piece.

Valentino






FINALLY! Something my eyes can handle. I haven’t been fully impressed by anything that the house has produced after the master of fashion, Valentino Garavani, left the house, but this was fabulous. I would describe it as austere glamour. The bows added a whimsical, feminine touch to the somewhat architectural structure of the dresses. Not to mention that the shoes had me on the floor. They were unforgettable. I loved this collection. Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri should give themselves a big pat on the back for doing such a wonderful job.

Elie Saab




I’ll start off this review by saying I wanted more. It was just lacking or even better put, Elie was slacking. It didn’t feel like e was putting his best out there, but who am I to judge? He usually blesses us with beautifully constructed extravagance but I didn’t see or feel any of that. I found two pieces that I thought were the most interesting and here they are. I hope he comes back to himself with the next collection.

Christian Dior




Ahh yes! This is what I was looking forward to see the whole time while I was browsing the collections. The flowers were just what I needed because at a point I was getting discouraged. John never fails! He did the most amazing job of taking inspiration from nature and creating lovely pieces out of his interpretation of natures beautiful gift of flowers. What an amazing gift he has! I really have never seen a collection that this man has done without feeling some kind of awe or wonder and this collection was no exception. Well done Mr. Galliano.

Givenchy




Last but not least is the mother of all collections. Deciding to show make their couture collections more intimate and private was the best decision the house has made to date. I believe this added to the specialness of this collection. I was literally in tears when I began to go through it and each garment after had me feeling a different emotion. This is what I want to see and feel when I look at a couture collection or any collection for that matter. The power of well made clothing should sweep you off your feet, or inspire you or take you to another place, and this collection certainly did that and more. I was fully impressed by the fine detail and craftsmanship of each garment. Riccardo my eye is definitely on you.


Hope you enjoyed my post!
Love,
Ashley