Battling Haute Couture: Paris Couture Week S/S2015

Going to the shows in Paris for Haute Couture is a bit like going to war.  Only, unlike a soldier, you don't pack in a camouflage duffle but the largest 2 suitcases you have.  And you don't pack combat boots and uniforms, you pack stilettos and designer dresses.  Guns are traded in for handbags, and bullets are your jewels.  This isn't war.  This is fashion.

First battle: Versace Haute Couture.  Versace always starts off the war on Sunday night.  An exciting and electrifying kick off, Donatella Versace never disappoints with her designs, and this year was the best runway I've seen so far from her.  The sleek suits and cut out dresses were simple and sexy.  Sapphire blue, black, red and white never looked so good together.  The attention to the woman's shape is never denied, and I found my first ever Versace HC look this season.  At this point, not sure if I'm winning or losing the battle.

Dior is next.  I have officially become a Dior Haute Couture girl.  My admiration for Raf Simons is loyal from Haute Couture to Ready to Wear to accessories.  His modern architectural approach to clothes both inspires me and captures me.  And the shapes from this season are right up my alley, blending the line between 1960's Mod and futuristic Modern. When there are so many open targets, it's hard to decide which one to focus on!

Alexis Mabille.  He is the darling of the Paris fashion scene: always airy and impish.  He really remembers the fantasy of couture, and this collection was no different.  Sad to miss his 10th Anniversary dinner after, this war was starting to wear at me a bit.  (and I even had a seat across from Hamish Bowles!) Paris Haute Couture is not meant for the weak at heart…

Dita Von Teese in Alexis with the man of the hour Alexis Mabille

Stephane Rolland was a surprise attack.  I really liked the simplicity of this show.  Confirming that black and white is the new uniform and sheer is the best camouflage, Rolland was fresh and bold.  All of the looks had a calm tranquility over us as the transparent sexuality mesmerized.

Final battle of the week was Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture.  I love saving the best for last!  JPG never fails to come out with bullets, hand grenades and victory fireworks.  I thought this was one of the best JPG shows I've seen in a few seasons.  And his inclusion of his retired soldiers that walked the cat walk was a testimony to his history and place as one of the best of Haute Couture.

At the end of the war, we all celebrate with the SIDaction Gala, an organization dedicated to the ongoing fight against AIDS.  Designers, models, actors, and fashion lovers all come together to continue raising funds for the scientific research and education that must still happen in this war that is still yet to be won.  We celebrate the small battles and strategize the next.  

The best way to end the Haute Couture week.

Wearing Alexis Mabille Haute Couture with fellow fashionista Amber Sakai in her own design and Jean Paul Gaultier

My dates and fashion marines, Brian Atwood and Joey Maalouf

Va Va Versace: Haute Couture Begins

Paris Couture Week started off with a bang with the Versace Couture show.  Held at the beautiful beaux arts building, Le Centorial, the mood was full of excitement and glitz.

The models dramatically entered the circular runway from the stairwell below. The first look being black trouser suit in wool with 24 karat gold pinstripe.  A Versace play on the power suit.  The idea of the suit was also done in a pleated skirt that has gold laminate between each pleat.  A typical Versace dress came out as well and many other plays on the pin striped suit.

Cocktail dresses and gowns followed with so many that I adored.  A fluorescent pink fox fur gilet stomped the circle runway that all seemed in awe with.  A black blazer made from strips of metal and mink was worn as a dress - something I would completely do!  And its gold counterpart followed.  Stunning.

There were some long iconic Versace gowns that followed, but the most innovative pieces were the voluminous silk chiffon pieces with short skirts in front.  They flowed freely in an array of colors from black to fluorescent pink and yellow.  Of course they were all adorned with crystal beading, metal pieces and leather tubes.

The show was exciting and fresh with so many beautiful options.  But the real fun came when friend and LA Times writer, Ellen Olivier took me back stage with her.  And the moment I met Donatella - she's the epitome of fabulous!

It was incredible to see the models slipping out of these confections and seeing the pieces so close up.  My favorite and possible Met Gala dress was the fluorescent yellow gilet with a short gold bustier dress worn underneath.

Donning one of the great colors of the night in pink

Versace was a star-studded show, with the always handsome Kevin Costner.  And I just loved talking with one of my fave shoe designers, Brian Atwood!

Donatella Versace's vision, the marriage of the delicate with the strong, was loud and clear.  Beautifully executed.

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week 2012: Versace

What better thing to do after eating and drinking for two weeks in Provence than head up to Paris for Couture week? Paris Haute Couture week began on Sunday night with the Versace collection.  In January, Versace had been a showing, not a formal runway show, but this time Versace showed on a splashy catwalk like only Versace can do.  Held at the Paris Ritz hotel atop the converted pool, the show was all fantasy and magic.  Golden mirrors at the end of the runway opened up to unveil the Versace icon bathed in pink and yellow hues.  

Very unlike the January show which showed severe metallics and metals, this collection was more flirty, more feminine.  Without straying from the Versace edge, gowns in irredescent organza and supported bodices stomped the runway.

There were some great coats - which I like to see some daywear in a collection - and dresses with wide belts adorned with various and prominent Roman numerals.  Not my favorite as I really do not want to be a billboard for a brand, especially after I've paid thousands upon thousands of dollars for a dress.

My favorite part of the show was the hair and make up.  Strikingly different from the January show of slicked back ponytails and heavy eye makeup, the soft flowing curls and neutral painted lids have inspired me to grow out my own locks and keep the makeup to a minimum.

And Donatella looked fantastic as she came out on the runway for her bow.  Sometimes a little scary-looking and too tan, she was herself softer and more approachable.

Kids hanging out outside the after party waiting for the celebs

The after party also held on the pool covered floor, was fun with a quirky DJ and even quirkier crowd. Always up for free champagne and a little dancing, I enjoyed myself while remembering what the next day had in store.  Pace yourself!  Something to remember for any future Couture week goer...

What I wore: Not intending to match the always fabulous Cameron Silver, I'm in my beloved
Lisa Perry

with Christine Chiu and Cameron Silver