Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall Winter 2012-13 collection

Raf Simons highly anticiapted Dior Haute Couture collection finally made its debut in Paris.

As the entire Fashion world held its breath, For his first haute couture show Raf Simons converted a former museum into a flower paradise. As Christian Dior always loved flowers and gardens, the five rooms used for the show were beautifully covered in One Million Flowers!!!
The rooms were called Salon Dior, Salon Bleu, Salon Jaune, Salon Blanc and Salon Rouge. Whereas the Salon blanc was covered in white orchids only, you could find 24 different kinds of flowers in the Salon Dior.


Raf’s take on couture for Dior was femininity, clean silhouettes and elegance with a modern twist. There was cohesiveness in the collection – something that was lacking during the seasons without a lead creative director. His pieces stayed trued to his signature minimalist designs.

Although this collection echoed pieces from Raf’s work at Jil Sander, he carefully referenced iconic notes from the house of Dior, such as the Bar Jacket, feathers and embroidery.

“I wanted it to be linked to the codes of Dior, but to have more energy,” – Raf Simons

John Galliano was known for has dramatic and beautiful gowns, something Dior will miss, but that is now all history as Raf Simons has illustrated a new vision for Christian Dior.

 

Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012-13

Byzantine opulence and splendour worthy of a sultan’s harem greeted guests at Elie Saab’s fashion show on Wednesday, as the Lebanese designer beloved of the Hollywood set presented a fantasy collection spun from embroidered tulle and lace.

Saab, who is known for his red carpet creations, said he was inspired by Constantinople for his autumn/winter 2012-2013 Haute Couture collection, and indeed the gold, shimmer and sparkle overflowed in the pillared Paris reception hall on the Rue Cambon.

Despite a debut in black, Saab opted for warmer hues of champagne, taupe, rose, sky blue and jade for most of the collection, with a special emphasis on shimmering gold. With high necklines and elaborate embroidered bodices, many gowns recalled the finery of an Edwardian era predisposed to hedonism and a fantasy-inspired vision of the Orient.

Versace's Atelier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Collection

 Nobody does sexy like Donatella does sexy. The Italian fashion house opened the Paris haute couture shows with 26 gowns which seem destined to ensure Versace continues to dominate red ­carpets everywhere. Donatella Versace unveiled her new Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 2012-2013 Collection by kick-starting Paris' haute couture Fashion week on July 1, 2012.

In honour of her late brother, Donatella returned to the Ritz in Paris. The hotel was the location Versace founder Gianni, staged his last ever show before he was murdered in 1997.

Front row faces included actress and former model Milla Jovovich, singer MIA, Vogue's Anna Wintour, Jessica Alba, Elizabeth Banks, Mad Men style maven, Christina Hendricks and Chinese beauty, Fan Bing Bing.

Donatella stated that her haute couture collection was inspired by the imagery of tarot cards and it's immediately obvious when looking at the dreamlike designs. Many of the dresses feature high slits, bold abstract prints, and pastel tones (including plum, chartreuse, sky blue, and raspberry sherbet) that reflect some of the major arcana cards meant to symbolize different aspects of human nature, like the lovers, the star, the moon, the sun, and the empress.

Rebecca Minkoff cover of "Call Me Maybe" with Hilary Rhoda and the Man Repeller

 Check out designer Rebecca Minkoff  jam out to "Call Me Maybe" with supermodel Hilary Rhoda and The Man Repelleras as they got ready for the CFDA Awards on June 4, 2012 

Dolce & Gabbana's New Kids Collection!

Lanvin did it last year, Oscar de la Renta lunched his line in the spring, so it only seemd natural for the Italian design duo royals to join high fashions newest (and future!) target. The Kiddys!!!

Dolce & Gabbana will launch its first ever children's wear collection this July, which is aimed at newborns to 10 year olds.  The range is expected to be every bit as stylish as its mainline.

“We interviewed all the mothers because the collection must be practical. We learned a lot, plenty of details. For example, it’s better to have sleeveless onesies and freedom of movement — kids don’t want to feel too constricted”- Dominico Dolce

The collection will include daywear, innerwear, beachwear, accessories and footwear. Highlights comprise a lilac, sequined party dress, a mini tuxedo suit teamed with spotted bow ties, tweed bouclé jackets, as well as Baroque-inspired designs seen on dresses covered with cherubs and floral patterns and crepe de chine blouses adorned with white lace. As luxurious as the collection is, both Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana maintain that practicality was a key focus.

What can you expect? “A miniature version of our signature line”- Stefano Gabbana 

Both Stefano and Domenico interviewed moms to ensure their tiny duds would be practical, as well as stylish. There are cashmere capes for little girls and velvet suits for little boys and it all sounds quite fabulous!!

First Look: Jennifer Lopez’s Tour Wardrobe from Zuhair Murad

             

Back in May at a press conference to announce the Dance Again World tour, the singer revealed her plans to work with the designer and hinted then about some of the looks. "Zuhair Murad is going to do all my costumes," she said. "There is a cape planned for the show. It's not a Wonder Woman cape. You'll have to come to the show to see it."


The Beirut-based designer stopped in Los Angeles last month to fit Jennifer Lopez with six looks for her summer tour, which kicks off June 15 in South America and comes to the U.S. on July 14.


From the newly released sketches, one of Lopez's looks will be a scarlet red beaded dress with nude silk tulle and an elaborate long matching robe that drapes over her shoulders and ties in a bow at the front. The wardrobe tour includes a feathered skirt and hat, a jumpsuit, a cape, a bodysuit and several short dresses.  The sketches also show Lopez clutching a red microphone.  I can't wait to see the final results on stage!


This July, the Lebanese designer will show off his couture collection in Paris, where he’ll also be launching an accessories collection.

Video: Take a walk around Paris with Elie Saab