Brides, Couture and Culture

It's that time of year again.  The haute couture fashion shows have just finished this week in Paris.

Those who have read my prior fashion posts understand that I don't look at fashion the same way most of the world does.  I'm not very concerned at all as to whether or not something is wearable or will sell.

What interests me most is the craftmanship and artistry of the designers, embroiderers, stylists and dresmakers.  To me, haute couture is one of the greatest textile "art shows" and it's free for us to view.  

Embroidery, beading, sewing and embellishment, all combine to tell a story or deliver a point of view.

Today I'd like to share just a few of the looks that have inspired, delighted or moved me in this year's shows.  There's a couple of posts to come on the topic but today I want to focus on the brides.

Often, the last look that a designer presents on the runway is a bridal look and this year, I found myself attracted to these looks more so than usual.

Layers of silk organza, embroidered netting and laces continue to appear in all of the designers looks.  

This Valentino bridal gown has silver emboidery on a sheer silk organza which lightens the overall look considerably...

What struck me most about the Giambattista Valli gown below was the belt!!

It looks stunning over top the simplicity of the ivory gown.  The use of so many different shades of gold gives the accessories a beautifully cohesive yet opulent look...

I have a gold embroidery in my future and I've saved these vines and flower clusters in my project's collection box.

Elie Saab who never disappoints on the lace, beading and embellishment showcased a gown worthy of the finest royal wedding...

Again, you'll see that the skirt is made up of multiple layers of sheer fabric and lace which are embroidered and beaded...

The overall effect is ethereal and luminescent.  Stunning.

The handwork on the veil looks like organza applique onto net and embroidered with sequins.  

At the end of the Chanel show, Karl Lagerfeld voiced his support of the Gay Marriage Reform bill proposed by Francois Hollande.  

In response to the Paris protesters who have taken to the streets in the past few weeks in opposition to the bill, Mr. Lagerfeld sent two lesbian brides down the runway at the end of his show...

When I first saw them, I thought they looked a bit like a pair of wet, bedraggled birds with their "streaky" mascara and droopy headdresses.  (The Chanel collection had lots of feathers this time around.)

The "streaky" eye makeup when viewed up close is actually organza and netting attached to the lids...

And the gowns contain pale gray feathers in addition to white.  When asked why, Mr. Lagerfeld explained how the use of gray gives the feathers dimension whereas using only white would appear too flat...

There you go.  A design tip from Mr. Lagerfeld himself.

My favorite "wedding" gown looks came from Alexis Mabille who didn't send down a bride.  Well, here's the two gowns I would choose if I were going to be a modern bride.  

Get ready to swoon...

Check out those feather flowers...

*still my beating heart*

And now this vision...

 With its harmonious use of pleats, netting and embroidery...in the palest, creamy colors of gray, gold and pink.

What a beautiful color combination.

Now I saved the least traditional bride for last.  

Jean Paul Gaultier ended his show with this beauty...

Her skirt's has a silver applique which reads "Love Gaultier Paris".  I love the hoop skirt, the combination of shimmering patches of silver lace, beading and tinsel.

And the accessories!

Notice that the straps are edged with silver zipper...

And they hold an Indian baby in a beaded bag on her back.

I love all the details on this little bag.

Gaultier's entire collection was inspired by the Indian gypsies of Rajasthan which included a bride he had seen being carried to her wedding on an elephant.

And what delighted me even more than the gown was this surprise hiding beneath that voluminous hooped skirt...

This little band of happy Indian gypsy girls...

If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will.

Happy, joyful weekend everyone!