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.

Five for Friday no. 53

The best engagement photos you'll ever see! I promise!

I want to stay here.

Styling You blog. It's local and it's accessible. For women, not girls. 

America's first bookless library will be landing in Texas.

The School of Life bookshop in Melbourne.

And for no reason other than it's the cutest photo I've seen all week:

Five for Friday no. 46

Authors choose their favourite books for 2012.

A beautiful way to store books.

'Man Repellent' fashion blog. Wearing whatever she likes, whether chaps like it or not.

Do you have 300 words to say on the topic of Love? 

A British adventurer become the first person to travel to all the world's 'countries'.

Exciting news for the Brisbane fashion-lover

A new store is about to open in the shiny new Wintergarden complex: Designer Archives.

Designer Archives is a depository of designer clothing and accessories for those of us who might lust after a Chanel 2.55 and are happy to accept a version from a season or two ago.

The brain child of three sisters who have sourced selected wares from all over the world; auctions, stylists and film wardrobes. Designer Archives will stock pieces that are from previous seasons and items that were immediate classic sell-outs at the time.

Prices will reflect that these are no longer fresh items, but that they are still designer. If you want Chanel pumps you pay for them, even if it is at a quarter of the price. It’s a kind of high-end vintage op-shop in the manner of vintage stores or flea markets you find in European capitals, where you never know what genuine treasures you might stumble upon. They will also be opening an online store in the next few weeks.  

I cannot afford the latest designer wear. However, I have learned from the purchase of the one current designer piece in my wardrobe – a pair of vintage Bally heels – that provided you choose well, the investment is well worth it. They are amongst the most comfortable shoes in my entire collection, despite being 3inch strappy stilettos. Though I may not technically be able to afford even the cut-price wares at Designer Archive, I suspect I will become a regular visitor because when I spot those Blahniks that I fall instantly in love with, I will be happy to lay down my credit card to make both my feet and my wardrobe happy.

Designer Archives in Wintergarden. If a city-based friend checks it out, I’d love to know what you think! 

Paris RTW Spring 2013: wrap up no. 3

It’s over. The Fédération Française de la Couture du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers and Créateurs de Mode (French Fashion Police) can rest easy for a few nights at least before starting to panic about Fall fashion in a few months’ time. 

Alexander McQueen. Image courtesy of The Guardian.

Some of the wrap ups of Paris fashion week include;

Harpers Bazaar’s wrap up of the big four fashion weeks. 

A full wrap up of every look in every show thanks to Vogue UK. Australian Vogue of course.

The Guardian weighs in.

As does the New York Times.

 

Fashion House Chloe turned 60 this year. The sartorial beauty of the house is still going strong. Images courtesy of Vogue UK 

I posted Vionnet a few days ago, here is Vionnet demi-couture. Images courtesy of Vogue UK 

 

 Pedro Laurenco. Images courtesy of Vogue UK.

The models at Olympia Le Tan were clearly told to have fun on the catwalk.  

Images courtesy of Vogue UK.

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.  This bee hive inspired collection was a far cry from royal wedding garb. Images courtesy of Harpers Bazaar.  

Paris RTW Spring 2013: wrap up no. 2

Paris fashion week continues and I am only a few days behind.

 A new one for me, but I do rather fancy: Maison Martin Margiela. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 Loved the looks at Cacharel. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 

 Vanessa Bruno. Images courtesy of Style.com.

Viktor & Rolf. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 

 Haider Ackermann. Images courtesy of Style.com.

Vivienne Westwood. Another iconic British designer showing in Paris. Images courtesy of Style.com.

Continue to the Boy George look-a-like at Gaultier...

Paris RTW Spring 2013: wrap-up no.1

Paris Fashion Week is the fourth and final of the big 4 fashion weeks. So I will soon stop pretending to be a fashion blogger and get back to what I know: Brisbane and books.

Paris fashion week is HUGE.  It runs for 8 days with maybe 10 shows a day. I always find it interesting just how many London-based designers show in Paris. The cities have very different fashion vibes very different perceptions as locations to show. What Paris is known for in the fashion world is classic styling, impeccable craftsmanship and prestige; London is modern, daring and off-kilter. 

The big names in Paris fashion week are the names anyone would associate with fashion the world over. Christian Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Saint Laurent. 

I am not a fashion blogger so I am leaving it to the pros at Vogue UK, Vogue Australia, Style and the City, The Cut and The Satorialist for street style and Harpers Bazaar. One curiosity that I noticed was the prevalence of midriffs and black. Black is classic, always in style, just as good tailoring is always in style. Both of them so French and so chic.

Now I'll be quiet and post some photos.

 Guy Laroche. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 

Rochas. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 

 London based designer Gareth Pugh. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 One of my perennial favourites: Balenciaga. Images courtesy of Style.com.

Impressive and ultimately stunning workmanship at Balmain. Images courtesy of Style.com.

 

 Nina Ricci was awash with takes on classic styling. Images courtesy of Style.com.

But wait, there's more...