Haute Couture Master Christian Lacroix Teams Up With International Brand Desigual

Christian Lacroix known for his outrageous fashion ensembles, outfits straight out of the woodworks of his imaginative mind, is taking on the mainstream market after taking on small design projects after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2009. Lacroix known for his haute couture, fairy tale wedding dresses and fantastical runway shows has joined forces with widely popular global brand Desigual for Fall 2011.

Fashionista has the first look at the new collection by French master designer Lacroix. The colors are less muted than the usual Desigual spectrum, however, pieces are heavily intricate and piece together well. The collection is said to debut in stores in the U.K., Germany and Spain on July 11. No word on the collection being available in U.S. stores.

Givenchy Haute Couture Fall 2012

Riccardo Tisci has been hitting the nail on its proverbial fashion head with near herculean consistency, jumping from a standout urban infused Resort ’12 collection to the consummate shades of ivory and white haute couture gowns presented at Paris Fashion Week. Victorian accented looks were given a tenacious, slightly surrealistic edge by combining materials such as metal chains, nappa leather, pony skin and macramé lace with delicate filmy fabrics of Chantilly lace, organza and plenty of silk tulle.

Gaultier: Spring '10 Couture

The Spring/Summer 2010 couture shows have concluded in Paris, and another collection that stole my heart was that of John Paul Gaultier. His Mexican-inspired haute couture collection features elaborate and feminine sombreros, shawls, hand-tooled leather, gauchos, and conquistador armor. The show even played 'mariachi' music (!!).

The models wore clothing that was heavily fringed, embroidered, studded, and feathered. The collection contains many interesting pieces, such as gowns that are basket woven in shadow-dyed ribbons and suede.

One of my favorite pieces is the show closing gown worn by Karlie Kloss (pictured here)- a feathered skirt with a crisp, white corseted top and an elaborate headdress.

The show ended on a high note, with a performance by French-American Arielle Dombasle. The singer wore a bright red, beaded corset and crinoline.

Gorgeous!

-Erin O'Hara

Dior: Spring '10 Couture

The Spring 2010 Couture shows are underway in Paris, and so far they are quite impressive. In particular, Dior's variety from equestriennes to fabulous ball gowns truly were inspiring. John Galliano out did himself with a gorgeously feminine collection presented on a backdrop of 3,000 over-sized pastel roses.

Impeccable riding gear including long skirts and dresses, jackets, gloves, and even crops opened the show. Frilly and veiled day wear in light pastels led into silken evening wear, but the true breathtaking moments of the collection are the ball gowns. They are so extravagant and beautiful, with crystals, bows, and full skirts, that I believe every girly girl will fantasize about parading them in front of their mirror.

-Erin O'Hara

In Memory of...

From what I understand the recession is suppose to be over. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought things were starting to turn around. But obviously this isn't the case.

After 22 years of their haute couture making runway headlines, the fashion house of Christian Lacroix is set to be closed.

A Paris bankruptcy court has approved a plan to close Christian Lacroix's design house. As a result 100 memebers of the staff will be let go.

Christian Lacroix is a legendary fashion designer for many red carpet celebrities including Uma Thurman. His designs are glamorous, expensive-looking, and unapologetically dramatic. With his background in costume design, his designs are always over the top, he adopts alot of old fashion techniques into his new designs including the corset and the crinoline.

His designs will surely be missed but they will also be celebrated being some of fashions most memorable pieces.

- Erin Jones