Paris Haute Couture Week 2016

 VERSACE

I loved this Atelier Versace show. For once it wasn't all high voltage glamour and sex appeal (okay, it was still very Versace) but it wasn't as...trashy. The use of draped duchess satin and pastel colours was elegant and refined while the smokey eye make up and suble tan made the clothes look even more dramatic. I loved the sweeping ivory trouser suit worn by Kasia Struss, which leads me onto the models. The roll call of models was pretty impressive, as it always is with Versace. Sasha Pivovarova, Taylor Hill, Anna Ewers, Joan Smalls, Karmen Pedaru, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Bella Hadid, Irina Shayk and stalked down the runway, with Karen Elson opening and Carmen Kass closing.

All the pleating at the end reminiscent of Issey Miyake's famed techniques were a breath of fresh air in shiny metallics and soft purples. I also loved all mini dresses with beautiful boat neck tops showing off the neck and collar bone. I have to say, this is probably the most ladylike I've seen Donatella Versace. Oh yeah, and Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Garner, Bradley Cooper and Vera Wang were all front row.

CHRISTIAN DIOR 

Considering Dior, are currently without a designer this collection was a worthy show full of gorgeous, sumptuous Dior pieces. All the black and white was so beautiful, especially the third look which was a lovely ruffled peplum top and trousers. Bella Hadid made her second appearance at Couture Week, as the current face of the Dior cosmetics brand. The subtle references to the bar jacket and classic new look shape were in the there, as well as decadent monochrome paisley patterns.Models walked with hair scraped back with just the right amount of dark glamour and embellishments on tops and skirts. The strapless black silk dress worn by Mica Arganaraz was a favourite of mine, but then every piece was delectable.