spring '11 couture

I'm about a week late, but this year's couture shows were outstanding. Haute couture is French for "high-sewing" or "high-dressmaking." It is made to order for a customer, and is usually made out of very high quality fabrics and finishings. However, couture is much more than custom made clothing. The French government has a committee solely devoted to the workings of haute couture. In order to earn the right to call themselves couture, a designer must follow these rules (via wikipedia):

• Design made-to-order for private clients, with one or more fittings.
• Have a workshop (atelier) in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full-time.
• Each season (i.e., twice a year), present a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least thirty-five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.

 And now, for the collections!
Alexis Mabille

Chanel

the draping of this skirt is so dreamy

Dior

Elie Saab
Elie Saab always, always delivers a breathtaking couture collection, and this one did not fail. I'm in love with the overall color palette and the beautiful yet delicate textures in the cocktail dresses.

Givenchy
This collection is so stunning (as Tisci's couture collections always are). To me, though, this collection stands out because of the all Asian model casting, which I think only highlights the dresses. There are also a few hats made by Philip Treacy in the collection.

Valentino

(all images via style.com)