Haute Couture Spring Summer 2008

Dior dazzles, Gaultier rocks and Chanel rules!

Couture is one subject that's been close to my heart! Bejewelled chiffons, sheaths of lame, whirls of organza, shimmering tiaras, cuffs, chains, marabou feathers, silvery beads and brooches-the whole enchilada is bewitching. Origami like motives, goddessy drapes, sumptuous silhouettes and out-of-the-world designs inspired from the ancient art and poetry have taken the runways by storm. And how!

Couture has seen major upheavals of late with genius Valentino Garavani retiring and Alessandra Facchinetti taking over. Like every couture show this Valentino show was too marked by classy cocktail dresses in shades of yummy pinks, yellows and oranges. I just loved the flower motive on the dresses and also the accessories.

Talking of accessories, there were some magnificent pieces at Armani Prive collection. Prive saw some sexy hand cuffs, chokers and head gears which were simply out of the world. I guess they are god-sent for a red carpet dazzler!

This time both Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier plunged into the gorgeous aquatic arena and derived some inspiration from shells and mermaids.

I loved those Chanel dresses contoured and tired in the shape of a Shell as models walked in cutsey ballerinas around a giant chanel jacket. Well I love Chanel. Period!

Parisian enfante terrible Jean Paul Gaultier too took a pell mell plunge into the deep blue sea and came out with models sporting goddessy mermaid curls, tattoos and sexy nymph make-up that took my breath away. Loved the gowns which were superbly cut to resemble a sexy fish shaped sihouette.
Elie Saab was quite uninspiring with oodles of silvery shimmer and little imagination.

Last but not the least, couturier par excellence John Galliano's Dior has sent a frisson of intrigue down my spine with absolutely gorgeous creations spewing drama, theatricality and undiluted magic. Magnificent foot wear and eye make-up added to the drama and allure. There has not been one Dior show which I haven't liked and this one was just another mirage of ravishing images.

Also loved Donatella Versace's 15 couture gowns. Bias cut, beautifully draped and sculptured to flatter the silhouette!

Another awe-inspiring show was of Givenchy. Ricardo Tisci's swirly, flouncy and dancing skirts and elegant foot wear were a visual treat!