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.
Well, I wouldn't mind some of the off-cuts to play with and create something else!
ReplyDeleteThey are all really gorgeous!
Sandie xx
Wow! Beautiful dresses!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! I liked the Valentino burnt roses :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved the burnt-out velvet flowers and of course all the beading... Thanks for the tour.. Ger
ReplyDeleteThe Elie Saab Dresses are just amazing! Yes, so totally feminine and radiant! Thanks so much for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteVraiment superbe ! Merci infiniment. Claudine
ReplyDeleteI love all the details in Valentino's gowns. Stunning designs.
ReplyDeleteI love to learn how to do all that beautiful bead and lacework!
A video of the entire Elie Saab show--
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDX-zBT9orY&feature=related
Ecru, nude, mocha and smoke never looked so good!
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!
ReplyDeleteActually, 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.
ReplyDeleteThat video was fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteALL that Repetitive stitching on yards and yards , all the same never a different stitch for a very long time. REALLY????
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.
ReplyDeleteOMG... *swoon*
ReplyDeleteI 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?
ReplyDeleteWonderful 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.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fashion show!!
I think I'd feel verging on undressed in some of them, but they are very glam!=)
ReplyDeletePrincess Kate????
Bikini panties seen under a truly elegant dress are gross. A simple lining or slip would be a great finishing touch.
ReplyDeleteWell- 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"!
ReplyDeleteVicki
Just beautiful skilful work, but not sure where I'd get the invisible underwear from to go with some of them!
ReplyDelete