Anne Valérie Hash Haute Couture Spring 2004

Much like the Kokosalaki post, this one is a testament to the genius AVH unveiled to us in the past. Her S/S 10 collection was pretty nice, but it's still such a far cry from the poetic, billowing yet restrictive clothing she's shown us in seasons such as this S/S 04 one. I mean, it's truly a dream; perfect silhouettes, brilliant textures, flawless proportions and the heavenly styling.

I always wonder if the switching of aesthetics and if the shifting down their overwhelming creativity is a conscious one or just a natural progression for the designer. I understand all too well the need to shed an old skin and move in a new direction, so perhaps it is trite to question the switch in a designer's output. Even if she never revisits this style, I guess I can only appreciate and be thankful to be able to look back upon the collections like this that she's graced us with.

Givenchy Fall 2009 Haute Couture

There’s always skepticism surrounding Tisci’s couture collections, but as far as I’m concerned, this one is outstandingly good. I am sure people will nitpick but it is a gorgeous collection and if you’re going to go over the top, this is definitely the way to do it. The heavy gold embellishments are back, yet again – but this time feels new due to his expansive usage of something familiar, creating many new patterns and effects. The clothes all look impeccably constructed, not to mention the designs themselves are to die for. It’s clear there was no stone left unturned this season; everything is so thoughtful and also executed amazingly. From the theme, to the variation in materials, the range of embellishment and detail work, to the presentation, there is so much to admire. bravo Mr. Tisci. :]

Christian Lacroix Fall 2009 Haute Couture

While Lacroix’s future is sadly uncertain, the circumstantial inspiration certainly birthed a gorgeous collection. Though he pretty much wiped out his typically colorful palette for this – it is still inevitably him. And though the reasoning for the black overtone might be a grim one, I’m certainly not complaining for the time being, because I love a bit of darkness with my Lacroix (ok… with my everything). I adore the restrictiveness of it all and how understated yet phenomenal most of the pieces are. I love practical couture because the magic is in the details. The way he works his embellishments here is gorgeous and I really love the lustrous fabrics he used as well. The lack of accessories and humble headwraps on the majority of the looks is perhaps also a reflection of the times, but by the same token, looks stunning. Lacroix certainly made a point this season, as well as some gorgeous clothes… here’s to hoping he’ll be gracing us with many more collections.

Anne Valerie Hash Spring 2003

I don’t usually post HC collections but this one is definitely one of my all time favorites. It is basically perfection. Not only had Ms. Hash had less than a handful of shows by this point in time but you’d never really know it by looking back on these works now. I think a lot of times couture is just so over the top and is couture for the sake of being couture… but when a designer makes couture basics, it is really special to me. Sometimes less is much more; it is easier to find the special details without all the frivolous overkill. AVH recieved a lot of Japanese designer comparisons in the beginning and this was one of the collections where she undeniably came into her own. I love how she kept certain trademarks and quickly learned to edit out the unnessecary elements of her work. At this point is when we really got the pleasure to learn who AVH really is. Everything here is just right; very practical but also very special and unique pieces.

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall 2009

For a change in recent seasons, I was pretty happy with a few of the haute couture collections which I had been pretty bored with. Above all though, is definitely Gaultier’s collection. While it’s not as good as his best ones, it’s certainly very beautiful!

From heavily embellished short dresses, to elaborate and dramatic gowns, all the way to sexy, structured suits, there is truly a little bit of everything here. Speaking of the embellishment, it’s beyond impressive; not only in intricacy but the compositions are really gorgeous on top of these already well-cut garments. I love the reoccurring smoke-like designs and the differed sized netted fabrics layered on one another or on solid fabric. It is a nice contrast to the sharpness of the designs in general.

The looks really speak for themselves, though. So many gorgeous elements here to admire and like I said, while it’s not his best offering, it’s nothing to shake a stick at by any means. However, whether they’re worth shaking a credit card at may be a different story.