The Fashion Files: Fall 2011 Couture Part II

Continuing to Part Deux of my favorites of Fall 2011 Couture (too many pretty pictures for one post!)...Click for part I

Elie Saab

Known primarily (or at least originally) for dressing many a starlet on the red carpet (think Halle Barry when she won the Oscar), he brings that glamour to the catwalk.  Even the set reflects the ethereal, fairy-like beauty of the dresses.  The color palette is just heavenly!

Jean Paul Gautier

The always inventive and imaginative Gaultier...known for pushing boundaries and buttons (remember Madonna's Blonde Ambition tour in 1990--or the wardrobe for The Cook, The Thief, his Wife and Her Lover?)  The collection is almost like a retrospective of his 3 decade long career.  Only like wine, he is more refined with age.

Valentino

Designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo created this couture collection for Valentino, drawing inspiration from the fairy tale world of the last tsar's family.

Once again, all photos are from Style.com.

The Fashion Files: Fall 2011 Couture Part I

It's that time of year again when we're blessed with the beauty of the Couture shows....The craftsmanship and beauty of the fabric/construction/colors/models and sets is endlessly inspiring.  Here is Part I with 2 of my favorite collections this season.  I'll post Part II tomorrow.

Armani Prive´

While always exquisite, Armani isn't always the most breathtaking.  He always has incredible detail and classic styling, but sometimes his collections lack the imaginative quality that, to me, are essential to Couture.  This season, however, as he looked East for inspiration, I found his collection absolutely stunning.  Surprisingly, his was my favorite of all the Couture shows.

Chanel

Designer Karl Lagerfeld channeled the apocalyptic sci-fi classic Metropolis for his runway show.  It has a retro futuristic feel to both the collection and the set.  But still gorgeously Chanel.

Any favorites?

Tomorrow I'll post my favorites from Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Valentino.

All photos from Style.com

 

Industrial Evolution

Don't get me wrong.  I find endless inspiration in the beauty and majesty of nature.  However, sometimes the shapes, color, and massive scale of industrial machinery creates it's own particular beauty.

I recently took a ferry to Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles.  Leaving out of the port of San Pedro, I passed the cranes and storage containers that are a vital part of industry and trade.  I was amazed at the scale and surprised by the color palette.  I also appreciated the juxtaposition of the beauty of the ocean and palm trees along with these metal shapes.  Taking the ferry home in the late afternoon, I took these pictures in that "golden hour" of light that Southern California does so well.

Happy July 4th!