Paris Couture Week S/S 2013

Paris Couture Week spring/summer 2013. Over and done with and below are some of my eye-dazzling favourites from the few designers who can afford to produce these luscious but ruinously expensive collections. As I've said before, couture is the epitome of fashion. It is among the last remaining reminders that once every piece of clothing we wore, from our nightdresses to our bustles, was hand-made.

This fashion week in particular was enchanting for me as it seemed many of the designers moved away from edgy statements and unattractive extravagance to pieces that could at least in theory, be worn. There was an abundance of ultra-femininity; lace, fine embroidery, sequins, monochrome, pale colours, demure and classic. A bit of a hark-back to the golden age of couture in the 1950s. As if every house was going back to the archives and doing what they did best - from high-voltage sexy of Versace to structure and nipped waists at Dior.

For more professional coverage, check out Vogue Australia and Style.com and Harpers Bazaar has backstage as well.

Ultra feminine at Alexis Mabille. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 Atelier Versace. High-voltage slinky and sexy, as always. Photos courtesy of Style.com.

 Chanel. Suited, booted, classic. Photos courtesy of Vogue Australia.

 Christian Dior, one of my two favourite shows of the season. I loved every look. 

Photos courtesy of Harpers Bazaar.

Elie Saab. Always one of my favourites for the beauty and style of his designs. Moreover, year after year, they are the sort of dresses and gowns I would buy if I ever had the opportunity. They are dresses I would thrill to wear.

I may have over-indulged on the photo-board.

 

 

 

Elie Saab. Lace, sheers and soft colours. Images courtesy of Vogue Australia.

 

Giambattista Valli. More classic femininity, with a few little twists. Photos courtesy of Style.com.

 Jean Paul Gaultier Mixed Indian / tribal influence. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 

The always impeccable Valentino.  Lacy, feminine, demure. Anna Karenina came to mind. 

Images courtesy of Style.com.

 

 

 Armani Prive, showing almost exclusively pants suits in the most glorious fabrics, patterns and colours. Images courtesy of Style.com.

Now, how many Oscar gowns from the latest collections are currently in production?