Glam, glitz, florals, plunging necklines and embellishment are all words we associate with Paris HauteCouture Fashion Week, this is the week the stars of the red carpet eagerly await as they pick their wardrobe from these collections. The highly talented designers never disappoint with gorgeous collections and the most intricate details. With only 16 designers on the list red carpet dresses have generally been the norm. However, separates  including trousers have started to become more of a focus giving the collections more of an edge. There was a lot of white, nudes and pastels perfect for Spring  with strong ruby reds and classic black, ideal for the red carpet.

Starting with Alexis Mabille, who is a new official member of this club, adored by Dita Von Teese we can see how the burlesque star is attracted to the collections. Bows have really been the focus for this collection, on the waistline, hips and draping over the shoulders, they are here to make a statement for Mabille. Ruffles and sheer fabrics are a trend which continue through from the ready-to-wear collections.

Versace‘s collection had a huge emphasis on daywear but is still highly glamorous. Princess Charlene of Monaco and Olivia Munn were in the front row ready to pick for their red carpet affairs this year, choosing from floor-length gowns to neon fur pieces. With a strong focus on tailoring, gold pinstripes were uncovered as well as a gold metal blazer taking us into a futuristic era.  Not forgetting the best of Versace and what Dontella is known for which is sculpting tight fitting dresses around the body, using clingy fabrics and sheer inserts.

Dior‘s collection looked at the celebration of the Spring bride, with a strong focus on floral applique and embellishment. This is the collection for bridal inspiration, looking at cut and choice of fabric. Chanel’s collections focused on ruffles with a lot of glitter and shine, tweed fabrics consisted of a sparkle and sequins were not missed. Articulating shoulders with colour blocking and what Lagerfeld called ‘framed shoulders’.

Rich reds, oranges and saffron were the colours for the Armani collection; with a feel of the Middle East every model had a fez/cloche hybrid fitted to her head mixed with chevron and Art Deco prints. The Jean Paul Gautier collection also took influences from the East and Spain blended with the label’s Parisian style; it was alomost a cross over between Mumbai glamour with a gypsy twist. The monochrome trend came through in this collection with a lot of fringing, embellishment and the use of high shine fabrics.

Leaving my personal favourite couture collection til last…Ellie Saab. The signature style of this collection was apparent throughout the collection, beadwork, delicate embroidery and the red carpet calling every piece! The use of sheer fabrics was huge in this collection, sheer sleeves, illusion necklines and floor- skimming sheer trails. Ellie Saab is not not for print fabrics but this season the use of lace print is used on full length gowns, increasing our love for this designer ♥

I can’t wait to see these dresses on the red carpet this year, you can almost match the star to their dress ♥

Related articles

• An Ode to Delicateness (halaajam.wordpress.com)
• Moss in the Moonlight for Versace (secretstylefile.wordpress.com)
• Versace for H&M (cosmopolitan.co.uk)
• Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Atelier Versace spring/summer 2013 (fashion.telegraph.co.uk)
• Taking the Plunge (bollywoodfashionpolice.wordpress.com)
• Versace for H&M Cruise collection announced (cosmopolitan.co.uk)
• Dita Von Teese in Elie Saab Haute Couture at the Sidaction Gala Dinner (fashiongonerogue.com)
• Masculine Tailoring Trend – Inspired Magazine