Spring/Summer 2012 : Under the Sea

Sea has been one of the greatest influences on the catwalks during this spring runway shows. Maybe it's because what lives under the ocean is an unstoppable source of marvellous. So, whether it was a giant coral reef set in the Grand Palais (Lagerfeld always outdoes himself when it's about Chanel) or iconic sea print from a past heritage (Versace anyone?), sea is the new thing.

GIVENCHY

The main inspiration behind these clothes were mermaids and scuba divers. Many iridescent materials, transparencies. Maxi ruches, exotic skins. And shark toothed necklaces.

ALEXANDER McQUEEN

Sarah Burton gives us pretty much the same silhouettes from the past season, even for the shoes. China is now converted into red coral. Shimmering fabrics and a sort of lightness to it make the models look like submarine creatures.

 

VERSACE

Donatella looks back. Again. I mean, could you blame her with such a legacy behind (and every designer taking inspiration from Gianni lately)? She gives new life to the infamous Versace baroque sea print, adding pastel colours, shells made in studs, seahorse shoes and swarovski starfishes. Brilliant.

CHANEL 

Chanel, and especially Karl Lagerfeld's vision, sets the trend every season and reinforce any subtle concept behind it. If someone thought before this show that sea was an influence in next spring fashion, Karl sets the record straight with everyone. The stage? Grand Palais, ça va sans rien dire.

Pearls (one of the maison symbols) were everywhere: jackets, necklaces, purses. The fabric was used to give an impression of an underwater flower. An attention to the details that reaches obsessive levels.

all images coutesy of style.com

Couture season! Givenchy fall/winter 2011 2012

Are 10  pieces enough for a couture show? Yes, according to Mr. Tisci, who this season takes us on a journey inspired by the bird of paradise (both a flower and an actual bird).

These floor length gowns are extremely elaborated. Pearls give them a tridimensional look; ostrich feathers are delicately interlaced in the bodice. The embroidery is complexe but at the same time so delicate. White is predominant. A caramel hue makes its debut in the last piece, a revealing evening dress completed by a floor length fringed clutch.
Let me tell you: ten pieces are enough for a couture show, if that's the level of mastery. Bravo, Mr. Tisci.

All images courtesy of Vogue.com