The stars turned out for Armani, Christian Lacroix gets a standing ovation, and Givenchy took inspiration from the Middle East. Oh, yeah, and still no Anna.
Christian Lacroix
Lacroix's last show was just as dramatic as anyone could have predicted. A giant banner waved "Christian Lacroix forever" over the runway and at the end of the show, the designer earned an extended standing ovation. Everything was about classic elegance -- black capelets with gold detailing, rich midnight blue dresses, and those perfectly tailored jackets. As ever, the highlight was the closing look, the bride. This time, she was a vision of the Virgin Mary, replete with massive halo, lace sleeves, gold embroidery, and bright little flowers everywhere.
Lacroix's last show was just as dramatic as anyone could have predicted. A giant banner waved "Christian Lacroix forever" over the runway and at the end of the show, the designer earned an extended standing ovation. Everything was about classic elegance -- black capelets with gold detailing, rich midnight blue dresses, and those perfectly tailored jackets. As ever, the highlight was the closing look, the bride. This time, she was a vision of the Virgin Mary, replete with massive halo, lace sleeves, gold embroidery, and bright little flowers everywhere.
All that said, the major gossip over Lacroix really started when he was spotted front row at the Givenchy show only an hour after his own show had ended. LVMH is the parent company of Givenchy, and after Lacroix posed for several pictures wiht Delphine Arnault, rumors flew that the designer was considering running back to the LVMH fold (Lacroix was previously owned by LVMH as well).
Givenchy
Riccardo Tisci's Givenchy show felt like a fantastical homage to the Middle East, and was overwhelmingly well-received by the critics. Joe Zee furiously snapped pics of the show and posted, "I dream of Riccardo's genie!" The show was decidedly one of contrasts -- dark, hooded figures with gold jewelry on the one hand and angelic body-skimmy white dresses on the other. Pure fantasy -- exactly what couture is meant to be.
Giorgio Armani
More people seemed to be talking about the front-row star power of Cate Blanchett and Megan Fox sitting next to each other at the Armani Prive show than the actual collection itself. The pieces in the collection had an interesting mix of '40s and '80s appeal, all power suits, slick black bobs (Victoria Beckham anyone?) and serious confidence.
More people seemed to be talking about the front-row star power of Cate Blanchett and Megan Fox sitting next to each other at the Armani Prive show than the actual collection itself. The pieces in the collection had an interesting mix of '40s and '80s appeal, all power suits, slick black bobs (Victoria Beckham anyone?) and serious confidence.
Everything about the Chanel couture show exuded Lagerfeld -- from the classic black-and-white palette to the overdone stage sets (a giant perfume bottle opened up and a kissing "bride and groom" emerged), and fantastically puffed-up hair. (Powdered wigs, maybe?). The details were what made the show truly stunning - the tiny kaleidoscope-esque floral appliques on skits and dresses, the lace stockings, and the tiny sequin trim on silk dresses and delicate gloves.
