Christian Dior Couture ::

John Galliano's Couture collection for Christian Dior showed in Paris last week, taking a giant cue from the world of flora and fauna.

the layered dresses, skirts and shoes all referenced different types of flowers with delicate layers, bold shapes and intricate painted fabric. according to Tim Blanks of style.com, Galliano was inspired by nature itself as well as flower photographers Irving Penn and Nick Knight.

the head pieces of brightly colored cellophane, on top of the curly petal inspired hair, were made by Stephen Jones and were the final touch to the "just bought from a florist" feel.

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:: details. click on image to view larger.

:: John Galliano. images via style.com.

Valentino Couture ::

while the collection started off with classic shapes and colors, the Fall 2010 Valentino Couture collection " a dark side of first love" quickly moved into another realm.

a literal take on the dark side of first love, the designers brought forth a feeling of being caged in with a bird cage around the models upper body, pinning in her arms. a similar skirt on another look and feathers found on the footwear brought the collection as a whole into a storybook type of presentation.

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:: Valentino designers Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri. images via style.com.

Elie Saab Couture ::

Elie Saab's Fall 2010 Couture Collection was presented on a slick runway with a black backdrop, a decision that not only let the collection of deep, heavy pieces be foreground but gave them a chance to be seen in detail.

although the collection has been viewed as old fashioned by many, there were some amazing pieces throughout- none more so than the wedding gown of silver and gold that finished out the show.

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:: details. click image to view larger.

:: Elie Saab. all images via style.com.

Givenchy Couture ::

Riccardo Tisci's Fall Couture collection for Givenchy was 11 looks in total. the designer showcased floor-sweeping, heavliy draped dresses in shades of white, nude or gold under ornate jackets. lace, fringed feathers, beading and leather were incorporated in intricate detail.

each color pallette was on view in a separate salon. not having witnessed first hand, Tim Blanks of style.com explains in detail the experience here.

one can only imagine the chilling effect the viewing of this collection would give. the feeling of life and death, flesh and bone... love.

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:: collection. click image to view larger. all images via style.com.

Armani Prive Couture ::

Giorgio Armani's Fall 2010 Armani Prive Couture collection brought back a touch of grace and beauty. the classic old-hollywood silhouette's mixed with a mix of menswear had me wanting to steal almost every piece shown. especially the capes.

the designer stuck with neutrals, and incorpoated lacquered wood accessories, adornments and buttons to many of the looks.

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:: details. click on image to view larger.

:: Giorgio Armani. all images via style.com.

Chanel Couture ::

Karl Lagerfeld's Couture collection for Chanel started off on a dark and serious note. blood red jackets and black ensembles made their way out first, but thankfully, a sea of whites and creams, deep navy's and light mesh pieces began to follow.

the pieces were embroidered and beaded, and trimmed with velvet and fur. the line seemed more F/W than couture, until the final intricately detailed dresses came through at the end. overall, pretty...but i don't really have more comments.

on a side note, Peter Philips did an amazing job on the make-up; the soft skin and light eyes with a pop of deep red on the lip really stood out. and the light natural hair whisping over the eyes...perfection.

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:: details. click image to view larger. all images via style.com.