The Many Facets of Couture

With haute couture, there is a diversity, an undeniable variety in design. Haute couture could envelop many bright, mesmerizing differences, many unique definitions that are breathtaking in their rhythmic designs. A wide spectrum of significant subjects and memorable histories are revealed within these pieces of worth. Distinct colors, textures, structures, and more bloom magically in each collection. A spirited beauty and liveliness is housed in each individual concept and idea. With haute couture, a discovered modernity accompanies this wonderful diversity that allows changes to be made to the common mold.

This Fall 2013 couture season exhibited all of these admirable differences and novel, modern qualities. With Armani, there is a romantic fragility. With Maison Martin Margiela, there is a decorative reusability. With Valentino, there is a regal poise, an appreciation of nature. The collections carry with them a newness, as well as a remembrance. They emanate a beauty that awakens the sensations of design…

Armani Privé…

A magical loveliness and an airy softness, a sparkling radiance and a blissful charm, this collection is truly mesmerizing in its lovely enchantment, whimsicality, and simplistic grace. The stunning pieces created by Giorgio Armani twirl with a chimerical allure. Each design evokes the senses in some way, creates feelings and emotions full of delightful fascination. The pieces travel the runway with a magical, tranquil aura of beautiful fantasy and dreamy elegance. With transparent sheer and delicate ornamentation, with slip dresses and gowns, with fine lace and twinkling crystals, with pantsuits and furs, this couture collection effortlessly dazzles.

Maison Martin Margiela…

Maison Martin Margiela’s Artisanal couture collection is breathtaking in its wide array of new and vintage fabrics, precise details, and unforgettable looks. The pieces on the runway communicate to the viewer an appreciation of the past… a collage of definable moments in the history of fashion. Maison Martin Margiela, with a lively creativity and exploratory mind, transformed styles and fabrics from years ago and reworked them into memorable, captivating pieces of the present. There are embroideries from the 19th century. There are Art Nouveau curtains. There are coats and sequined dresses from the 1950s. Every fashion presented holds a magnificent uniqueness that evokes memories of previous times and sparkled in their fresh, vivacious charm. Every fashion presented went through a metamorphosis that led to something extraordinary.

Valentino…

With the fascinating idea of wunderkammer, a “cabinet of curiosities,” for this couture collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli created compelling, exotic creations with an affinity towards the natural world and the thrills of the unforeseen. The mysterious elements and interesting oddities are wonderfully expressive. The powers that each design emits are effective and stimulating. Within this collection, there is also an accompanied feeling of regality, of distinction. There is a majestic sovereignty that is marvelous. Mythical, artistic renderings of underwater forms of life and lions, rhinoceros, and other wildlife creatures…materials of lace, chiffon, cashmere, and velvet…encrustations of pearls, feathers, golden accents, and crystals…and pieces of pure elegance, the collection is incredible.

These collections all exhibit the beauties and possibilities of haute couture in the world today.

And the Oscar goes to…

With statues full of golden, hidden treasures and stunning talents full of praiseful skill and determination…

With directors, producers, editors, actors, actresses, designers, screenwriters, and more, coming together and recognizing the achievements of those that surrounded them…

With fun-filled laughs and musical numbers that held great energy and regard…

The Oscars was a night to remember…

And the fashion was worth remembering as well.

Closing the award show season with shimmering excitement and romantic, pale hued grace, the fashions of this year’s Oscars red carpet were absolutely stunning. And the actresses who wore them looked like perfection. With a wonderful, breathtaking combination of metallic dazzlements and light, romantic accents, the looks on yesterday’s red carpet left people with feelings of both bright vivacity and glowing charm; the looks on yesterday’s red carpet allowed people to live in both zesty, flavorful worlds and   whimsical, chimerical universes. Whether it was Nicole Kidman’s sparkling L’Wren Scott gown or Zoe Saldana’s lilac Alexis Mabille Couture creation, that fashions at the Oscars were magical.

Here are my favorite three looks…

Amy Adams looked like a true princess in her strapless Oscar de la Renta ball gown. The look was entirely enchanting, with complementing, beautiful powder-blue shades and cascading, seemingly airless ruffles that tapered out effortlessly behind her. The bodice on the top added to the overall sophistication and delicacy of the look. Adams glided on the red carpet with experienced poise and frilly wonder. With dazzling diamonds, Adams radiated in both her majestic, consuming glory and delicate, refined elegance.

A bold, unwavering woman walked down the red carpet this past Sunday, embracing the power of couture and radiating in minimalistic design. And her name is Charlize Theron. This sleek, modernized, white Dior Haute Couture gown looked incredible. With its tight fit and glistening accentuated peplum waist, the gown shined in its confidence and refined, seductive edge. The structured tailoring and flowing train only added to the gown’s glory. Charlize Theron looked brilliant in her sharp, contemporary masterpiece, especially with her fierce, outspoken pixie cut.

Jennifer Lawrence is a true gem in Hollywood who, I believe, deserved the Oscar for Best Actress tremendously. Her natural talent is undeniable. Her genuine personality is unmistakable. And both of these qualities gleamed in their beauty on the red carpet this past Sunday. Jennifer Lawrence looked stunning in this blush, pale pink Dior Haute Couture gown. The grand, voluminous design looked extraordinary with its timeless bell-shape and flowing, rich train. The gown was full of luxury, enveloping superb, shining fabrics and details of light, sweeping textures. Finishing the look with a lovely diamond necklace trickling down her back, Jennifer Lawrence looked like a winner.

Marvelous in their simplicities and encrustations, in their sleek and resplendent natures, the fashions of the Oscars 2013 are worthy of remembrance…

They are worthy of their own Oscars!

The Brilliancy of Nightfall

Dark Shine…

Night Luster…

Twilight Bronze…

Dusky Illumination…

In fashion, there is an undeniable beauty to opposites, whether it may be opposite physical designs and textures or opposite metaphysical thoughts and desires. In fashion, there is this mystical, alluring quality to opposing, counter pairs. Contrasting styles grasp attention, lure the viewer in, make eyes see differently, make minds think deeply. It could be a masculine blazer with a feminine skirt; it could be a flowered blouse with a pair of striped slacks. Opposites stray from the norm, the expected. They mix in a swirling pool of fascination and experimentation. Opposites redefine what fashion is, what makes fashion so irresistible and breathtaking. With diverse contrast and independent idea, opposites come together. They mesh beautifully. They intertwine gracefully. They blend wonderfully. In the world of color, these magnificent opposites radiate, basking in the glory of their perfect variation, their interlocking web of unique meanings and physical appearances.

Black, a hidden world of gloomy mysteries and dusky secrets. Gold, a supreme kingdom of regal riches and sparkling jewels. Black, a hue of intimidation, of looming power of authority. Gold, a hue of triumph, of welcoming success, of extravagant kings and queens. Black, a look of simplicity, of classic worth and substance. Gold, a look of fearlessness, of spontaneous energy and vividness.

Black and Gold…Gold and Black…perfect opposites…a perfect combination.

In fashion, this color palette of striking difference is unforgettable.  It is marvelously dynamic, for the colors complement each other with such an active, luxe beauty. There is an unmistakable charisma between the two colors, an intense connection of importance and opulence. Black and gold fashion is breathtaking to view, taking on appearances of tantalizing seductiveness and elegant sophistication. The fashions exhibit strength and determination, making proud statements that are timeless in their awe-consuming power. The black and gold combination takes histories of the past and brings them to the present. The Renaissance, The Baroque Period, The Romanticism, The Eastern Worlds, the Roaring 20s are shown through lush brocades, dazzling, embellished sequins, rich furs, shiny foils, and other bold wonders. The black and gold combination also looks toward the future, toward an ever-changing, undaunted, new world.

And this black and gold combination appeared in the Spring/Summer 2013 Haute Couture Collection of Versace, a contrasting, architectural wonderland…

This couture collection, as a whole, is excitingly powerful in its modernistic, redefinition of what couture truly is. With sharp cut shoulder blades, sheer gowns, embellished fur shrugs and shoulder pads, accented skinny-leg pants and sparkling pinstriped suits; with gold, metallic cuffs, sharp heels, large, imperial jewels of crystal and diamond, outspoken, glossy belts, daring leather accents, and plunging necklines, Versace exposes couture in a new light, in a new way of distinguished design.

With these severe, wild designs, couture strays away from the preconceived notions it once held. It becomes something more contemporary, something captivating, something inviting. With the eye-catching black and gold combination of many of her pieces, this commanding force, grand stance, monumental structure is significantly emphasized. The colors radiate a power, a strength, a voice. The colors help to shield away constrictive thoughts and reasonings. The colors succeed in modernizing the nature of fashion.

Black and Gold…A color scheme that is extraordinary.

Photo Credits: Vogue and Pinterest 

A Golden Red Carpet

Starting off the award season in the chilly Californian air, The Golden Globes was a night filled with heart-warming inspiration and tantalizing radiancy. It was a night of joyous laughter, meaningful tears, and wonderful gratification. It was a night where everybody came to be themselves, relaxing in an atmosphere of pure pleasure and welcoming community. The Golden Globes intertwined the television and the movie screen, the t.v. show with the aesthetic film. And it was also a night where fashion came to life on the red carpet.

Exhibiting the raw qualities of seductive allure, edgy rock, encrusted power, angelic grace, colorful brightness, and simplistic pleasure, the fashions on the Golden Globes red carpet gravitated the eyes and the mind. The fashions created an undeniable confidence, an unforgettable presence of golden strength. With both riskiness and calmness, daringness and easiness, the designs that graced the red carpet were wonderfully combined into a mixture of pure paradise. Whether it was Nicole Kidman’s sheer, seductive bodice, or Katharine McPhee’s plunging neckline; whether it was Amanda Seyfried’s vintage, innocent detailing, or Anne Hathaway’s white, timeless sparkles, the fashions on the Golden Globes red carpet were magnificent. However, there are some looks that I loved more than the others. My favorites from the magical night…

Jennifer Lawrence looked absolutely incredible on the red carpet this past Sunday. In her classic, strapless, red Christian Dior Haute Couture gown, Lawrence, with the help of the great Raf Simons, paid homage to the 1940s, going back in time to the proud, Dior full skirts and tight, nipped-in waists. This retro feel gave the look, as a whole, even more power and substance. With an encircling shiny belt and an indulging, structured bodice, Lawrence glistened in both her bright, carefree personality and glamorous, elegant appeal.

Straying away from the typical designers that emerge on the red carpet during award season, Michelle Dockery wore a rich, creamy white and gold dress, created by the upcoming designer Alexandre Vauthier. This brilliant gown, with the perfect, polished silhouette, gave off a feeling of regality, absorbing royal accents of golden hue and bright, seemingly metallic shine. The floridity of the gilded details was exquisite. And the high neckline and dramatic shoulder pads only added to the simple, shimmering beauty that radiates off of the luxurious gown and off of Dockery herself.

This long-sleeved, black Alexander McQueen gown was the perfect combination of bewitching enchantment and legendary elegance. Kate Hudson dazzled on the red carpet, bringing with her an air of sensual determination and compelling thought. This dress is remarkable, not only because of its sleek frame and shape, but because of its keyhole detailed cut-out and sparkling gold encrustation. These gold, beaded accents on the neckline and on the belt of the dress made the McQueen creation even more striking. The dress encompasses a wonderful, imperial artistry that is expressive and full of much value. On the red carpet, Kate Hudson looked full of artistic and powerful riches.

The red carpet truly shined this past Sunday, absorbing designs that glittered in both their meticulous detail and uncomplicated feature; designs that glittered in their incredible inspiration and deep meaning.

Couture in the Blush of Parisian Daylight

The appeal of haute couture is newly recognized and discovered. It is seen as something grand–noteworthy of observation and adoration. As explained in my post, The Elegantly Custom Stitch, couture is a world of fashion that I find compelling, daring, alluring, and absolutely charming. The delicacy and fragility of the pieces is magnificent. The detail and precision of the stitches is exquisite. From chiffon tulle dresses to beaded suits of design, couture comes in many forms. And it has certainly risen into the world of modernity and freshly explored ideas…

The haute couture of Fall 2012 was awe-inspiring. The texture, structure, and creative energy of the couture was dramatically stunning, thrillingly surreal, and attentively pure. The admirable couture pieces ranged from bold theatrics to modern, fresh spins. There was an unmistakable radiancy in every creation presented. No matter the designer or runway show location, the pieces were equally fascinating and eye-catching. From Givenchy’s medieval capes to Christian Dior’s pocketed sleek dresses; From Jean Paul Gaultier’s 1920s beaded dresses to Chanel’s “new vintage” embroidered tweeds–the splendid fashions were endless. The hand craft pieces were noticed with a piqued curiosity. The hand craft pieces were noticed with a bewitching charm.

Givenchy…

Dior…

Jean Paul Gaultier…

Chanel…

The creative energy ceased to stop flowing. It continued on an on in its enchanting stream.  It continued on an on and it transformed. The Parisian streets lit up with enticing fashions of worth, glamor, elegance, and grace. Unique street style looks were born…

Not only on the runways, but also on the streets…

Haute couture is a fascinating power of imagination, ingenuity, and inspiration. It brings to life an inventive universe of talent, ardor, and strength. And the street styles that come along with the brilliant shows are vivacious and graceful in their own matchless way.

Photo Credits: Vogue

The Imaginative, Futuristic, Dazzling Daphne

Heiress, Artist, Actress, Muse, Model, Collector, Designer, Icon…

Who is Daphne Guinness?

Daphne Guinness is the Queen of Haute Couture. She is one of the most original, innovative, daring individual leaders of the fashion world. Her style is aesthetic. Her design is romantically filled with nature, intellectuality, and passion. Her expression is one of confidence–a willingness to discover new forms, conceptions, and features of the fashion world. She captures the essence and grace of fashion in what she wears. She presents herself as a unique individual- ignoring judgements, harsh opinions, or criticisms. She wears what she feels. She feels what she wears. Guinness connects with the architecturally magnificent designs she puts on her body. Fashion is her armour–a cultivated style of elegance, imagination, and ingenuity. She is not eccentric. She is Daphne.

Daphne Diana Joan Susanna Guinness is a true artist. She is the heir of Arthur Guinness, the 18th-century inventor of the beer that still bears the same name. She has a devotion to the sound of music, to the raw honest beauty of literature, and to the visionary, inventive world of art. She also has an undeniable infatuation with the mystical and exquisite fashion world.

Guinness is completely and utterly fearless in what she wears. She leaps beyond the conventions of everyday society. She soars beyond the mundane actions of everyday life. She truly becomes her own person. She brings the beauty of couture to life on the streets. She makes fashion have a distinct personality. She allows fashion to take the reins. Her appearances are matchless. Her fashion wit and insight is remarkable. She is simply extraordinary.

Daphne Guinness embraces the essence of nature and the aura of creation. Her fashion lives by the romantic thought and action. Her own inner self appreciates the earth in its natural, breathtaking qualities. Her and her style relishes in the complexities of human nature. Her ideals are the same as the romantic thinkers of those past times ago. Her ideals are the same as her great, deceased friend Alexander McQueen. Pure nature is uncultivated, uncontrolled, spontaneous, and fascinating. Emotion is lustful, bewitching, and genuine. Romanticism comes to life through what she wears.

Daphne Guinness is both admirable and stunning. She treats fashion as a delicacy. She treats designs as ideas and pieces of worth and authentic originality. She is a magnificent human being with an ardor for self-appreciation, character, and glistening grace. Her fashionable, aesthetic pieces speak volumes. Her personal ambition is strong and almighty.

An illuminated wonder of culture, flavor, and power…Daphne Guinness is authentically and theatrically enchanting.

“I don’t approach fashion; fashion approaches me.” –Daphne Guinness

The Elegantly Custom Stitch

“High Sewing”  “High Dressmaking”  “High Fashion”

…this is haute couture.

One of my great loves in this massive fashion universe is the magical world of Haute Couture. Combining luxurious fabrics, custom fitted designs, and elegant, time-consuming stitchings, haute couture is attentive and beautiful. When a model walks down the runway in a couture piece, one cannot help but become transfixed by its detailed texture and creative, wealthy quality. Haute couture is admirable in its dramatic shine and flare.

From sheer draping to printed florals, from beaded jewels to a wondrous essence, haute couture gowns and fashions are filled with exuberant taste, grace, and inventiveness. Affiliated with the dramatics, these pieces of design are effectively emotional, electrifying, and expressive. Haute couture is in its own caliber of worth. It glitters in its unique and marvel qualities. It demises casual comforts. It embraces sensational delicacies.

Here are some beautiful haute couture looks…

Encrustations of delicate beads, sequins , and pearls, layers of lush, effervescent fabrics of wealth–haute couture is matchless. It lacks simplicity and boredom. It advances in attention-grabbing highness and excellence. Embroidered craftsmanship and scrutiny make these fashions all the more breathtaking. Haute couture is an inspired delight of allure. It creates a gracious connection with the world of everyday to the whimsical world of infinity.

Inevitable changeabilities,   Infinite possibilities,   Irreplaceable varieties.

…haute couture.

In order of runway appearance…

Valentino- Spring 2012 Couture

Giambattista Valli- Spring 2012 Couture

Jean Paul Gaultier- Spring 2012 Couture 

The Oscars of the East Coast

As Bruno Mars said before performing last night, “Hello Fashion!”

Who doesn’t love the Met ball?

Last night, the red carpet of the East Coast was ablaze with A-listers, designers, models, and the who’s who of the fashion world. The 2012 Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which celebrated the new exhibit “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,” left a lasting impression! Hosted once every year, this event leaves an impact on the fashion world that is undeniable. From gowns to suits, from neutrals to brights–the fashion was not a disappointment! Bright reds and whites, metallic shine, transparent sheer, fringy texture–there were so many bold risks! Here are my favorite looks from the night…

Scaly, metallic shine–this dress was incredible! Carey Mulligan looked absolutely beautiful in this fish gill-like sequined Prada dress! This dress is both fierce and stunning. Shining gold and transforming into a silvery blue, this high neck Prada number was truly amazing! With a pinched in waist and rounding out at the knee, Mulligan looked incredible! Pairing it off with simple satin tan heels, this aquatic, sci-fi look was one of the best of the Gala!

Beyoncé, do you ever not look beautiful? Beyoncé looked exceptional last night on the red carpet! This sheer Givenchy Haute Couture gown by Riccardo Tisci was magnificent! With sparkling flowered black embroidery and a feathery black and purple train, this dress was astounding! This tasteful gown showed off Beyoncé’s post-baby body in a way that is unforgettable! Dramatic, bold, transparent, and artistic–this gown was definitely a winner!

Cabernet colored lips and a slinky Deco inspired Ralph Lauren dress–Camilla Belle looked phenomenal! This ivory tulle beaded dress was really stunning! Belle truly shined on the Met Gala’s red carpet this year! She looked classic and chic! Dark hair pinned up, face refined, and vintage Ralph Lauren jewels, Belle’s look was sultry and appealing!

The looks of this year’s Met ball were simply incredible! Fashion came out in full force as unique and marvelous gowns graced the red carpet! The Met Ball is an amazing event and I am sure the new exhibit is terrific!