Haute Couture... Fashion for the Fashionable

I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from the amazing couture shows seen at Paris only last week. We had Chanel of course, with Lagerfeld reinventing the iconic chanel suit with a sense of youth and excitement, not to mention the fact that every model stomped the catwalk in a pair of trainers! Is couture becoming something for the young as well as the old? Lagerfeld certainly thought so, yet these are no ordinary trainers... They will set you back at least £3000! Yes, mouth watering! But overall, a fantastic show with an equally amazing set, and orchestra.

Dior brought us ladylike elegance with a fresh twist. Tailored lines, a soft colour palette, divine dresses... Raf Simmons could not have done better. Another favourite of mine was Elie Saab. Before a model even sets foot down the Saab runway, you know you're in for a treat. Saab are the only fashion house which has it's audience practically drooling with every look presented. Capturing every colour in the rainbow, these gowns were adorned with crystals, gems and sparkle which just glistened down the catwalk. Elie Saab can make any woman look stunning; that's probably why they are a firm red carpet favourite.

Atelier Versace

Atelier Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier as always, brought the sex appeal and fun to couture week. At the start of the week, Donatella Versace gave us a jaw dropping collection of beautiful hooded dresses, sweeping chiffon skirts and fur stoles draped romantically around models arms.  A homage to Grace Jones this show was, with glamour, sophistication and an attitude reminiscent of a diva - like Jones. With Lady Gaga sitting front row, and then later seen wearing a dress hot off the catwalk (we can only dream!) this was a fabulous collection! Dita Von Teese stalked Jean Paul Gaultier's runway in a butterfly corset dress towards the end of the week, bringing a little naughtiness and adventure to couture. Gaultier once again delighted with a show full of va va voom, tight corsets, short skirts and fun! This man is defiantly one of a kind and never fails to set the world of couture alight with his magical creations.

Giorgio Armani took us on a dark, Arabian adventure for his show with every model wearing an elaborate turban, Armani style.  Oversized jackets, midnight blue shift dresses, tailored trousers and Italian swagger - this was couture at its finest. Giambattista Valli, Roland Mouret and Victor & Rolf also upped the stakes this season with collections which summed up couture completely. Valentino also was a delight. With Katy Perry donning the musical ball gown for the Grammy's on Sunday, this show was all about current beauty done the Valentino way. Every model looked like an angel basically. Nothing to fault, only to wonder at and admire.

As for Dolce and Gabbana's Alta Moda collection... It's a mystery! D&G only allowed once again, 150 guests to view their top secret couture show, with no press allowed at all. However, Mr Stephano Gabbana posted some pics on Instagram, and from what I saw it looked like an absolutly stunning collection of Italian couture. Maybe one day we'll finally witness a D&G couture show... Fingers crossed!

Some may say that couture is a thing of the past. Women have no longer the need for such elaborate dresses in the age we live in. Yet as this fashion week proved, Haute Couture is still alive and very much part of the world of fashion. We are allowed to dream and wonder at beauty, which is exactly what the couture shows provide; a sense of magic and elegance. I'm in love, I just hope you share this wonderful love affair too...