Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Diaphanous

When you look at the Autumn 2011 Haute Couture Collection of Elie Saab...


You can definitely see that he understands the shape of a woman and how to accentuate her beauty...


And you can also see why he's become the most popular designer for Hollywood and the red carpet.


How could you not feel beautiful in one of these dresses?


I think I'd feel radiant, diaphanous, and absolutely feminine.


There isn't one of these dresses that I wouldn't love to try on.

But mostly...


I'd rather be the one to do all the embroidery and beadwork.


It's true.


I'd rather work in the atelier.


The amount of work that goes into the making of each gown is incredible.

I found a video on the Making of a Chanel Haute Couture outfit that is a great watch and gives you a sense for what goes into making one gown. Have a look...

But even though I loved Elie Saab's collection the best, I think I got the most number of ideas for my own work from the Valentino collection.


I noticed that Valentino was also inspired by Princess Kate's wedding gown and chose to apply gold lace to silk organza to regal effect.


And this dress with its pleated-tulle, fairy-wing shoulders and burnt-out velvet...

Is a maiden's dream.


And I completely LOVE the idea of cutting away burnt-out velvet. I'm going to have to do that.

And also this cutwork velvet ...


I'm going to have to try that too.

But my absolute fave of all the designers was this number by Valentino (including the shoes!)...


I love the braided, beaded collar and belt...the flowing petal skirt...and the overall workmanship...


And that's it from me on Fall 2011 Haute Couture. The next show won't be until January 2012.

I hope you found something here today to inspire.

I'm off to D.C. today with Japanese friends and trying desperately to remember some of my Japanese from 18 years ago...

Have a great day everyone.

20 comments:

Sandies' Patch said...

Well, I wouldn't mind some of the off-cuts to play with and create something else!
They are all really gorgeous!

Sandie xx

Catherine said...

Wow! Beautiful dresses!!

coral-seas said...

Fabulous! I liked the Valentino burnt roses :-)

Gerry Krueger said...

I loved the burnt-out velvet flowers and of course all the beading... Thanks for the tour.. Ger

Lisa Boni said...

The Elie Saab Dresses are just amazing! Yes, so totally feminine and radiant! Thanks so much for sharing them!

Claudine said...

Vraiment superbe ! Merci infiniment. Claudine

Miriam said...

I love all the details in Valentino's gowns. Stunning designs.

I love to learn how to do all that beautiful bead and lacework!

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

A video of the entire Elie Saab show--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDX-zBT9orY&feature=related

Ecru, nude, mocha and smoke never looked so good!

Anonymous said...

Given how long the beading takes, they can't possibly have been inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress - but the idea of lace overlaying gauze is clearly very much in the air at the moment!

Susan Elliott said...

Actually, I didn't make that up myself. I read it in a few of the reviews that Valentino was influenced by the Duchess of York's gown. And having tried this technique myself, I actually do think it would be possible in the atelier.

Angela said...

That video was fascinating. Thanks for sharing!

Elizabeth said...

I hope that you had a good time in DC!!! Any Japanese come back to you?? the dresses are amazing but the models looked way to severe and I was not thrilled by the absence of color. Those non colors on blondes look terrible!! Loved the velvet ones though!! Can't wait to see how you work some of these ideas into your work.
ALL that Repetitive stitching on yards and yards , all the same never a different stitch for a very long time. REALLY????

Ingrid Mida said...

Although I'd rather wear one of those dresses than do the bead work, I am actually doing sequin and bead work for my latest art project. I think of you so often, especially when I'm re-threading the needle or trying to pick up tiny beads... I love the effect but cannot say I love it like you do! It makes me appreciate your fine work even more.

Jennifer Vance said...

OMG... *swoon*

booklover1963 said...

I stumbled upon your site last May as I was surfing for "Breakfast At Tiffany's". Two words: Sumptuously Beautiful!!! I am in LOVE with your Audrey quilt block!!!!! I can't believe your skills and talent! All of your items are breath-taking and mind-boggling!!! I can't get enough! Your photography is superb and your writing is excellent. Will we see more Audrey soon?

Shirlee Fassell said...

Wonderful I loved every dress. I posted my new quilt circle motif shortly after seeing your post because it has (not nearly as fabulous) but the same feeling.
Thanks for the fashion show!!

Elizabeth Braun said...

I think I'd feel verging on undressed in some of them, but they are very glam!=)

Princess Kate????

Anonymous said...

Bikini panties seen under a truly elegant dress are gross. A simple lining or slip would be a great finishing touch.

Vicki Boster said...

Well- I'd love to wear any of them. Such incredible photos! The dresses and designs are fabulous! The beadworknis exceptional- and yes- I can imagine that you would love being the "beader"!
Vicki

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful skilful work, but not sure where I'd get the invisible underwear from to go with some of them!

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