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

Inside The Met Gala 2014 Zoo: Charles James Beyond Fashion

The 2014 Metropolitan Museum Constitute Gala was a stunner.  The exhibition is dedicated to the dresses of Charles James, an English-born designer who moved to New York in 1940.  This year was the year for the artistry of couture, the glamour of fabric, and the power of the female form.  

Giant rose sculpture of James figure with de-constructed dress 

Wearing Alexis Mabille couture: corseted bustier with skirt in white silk jersey and grey satin jacket

The Vogue greeters

THE EXHIBIT

Cocktail hour with velvet sofas, champagne and the beautiful Met Museum

Co-Chairs Sarah Jessica Parker and Bradley Cooper introduce the evening  

One of the perks of a Friends of the Costume Institute corner table,  the "backstage" view

The room was filled with gardenias, including table top

Frank Ocean performed with an all female orchestra in top hats 

After party at the Boom Boom room at The Standard Hotel

Best date ever!  With Alexis Mabille leaving the after party

Though The Met Gala has become a zoo of celebrities and hype, this exhibition is truly worthy.  The intricate detailing of these dresses is inspiring and transcendent.  My hope is that all of the press and chaos that now surrounds this event actually bring into the museum the hoards of people who pour over the fashion and glamour of it all.  This is a world-class museum with the most amazing collections and exhibitions, and I only can hope that the art does not get lost in the crowds.