ARMANI PRIVE HAUTE COUTURE

 
A selection of slinky suits in deep reds, stripes, chevrons and waves were showcased for Armani Privé's spring/summer 2013 collection.

 

 

 





 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
 

 

 

 

 

LACE

 

Dolce and Gabbana lace collection 

It's fair to say that Italy's most famous design pairing Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce love lace.  Hence the name of their recently launched Lace Collection cosmetics line with black lace print packaging and the shimmering lacy surface pressed powder.  

 
"Black lace comprises all the different elements which make up our heritage," says Signor Gabbana.  "childhood memories, that is to say the veils our mothers and grandmothers wore to church; the dresses of Mediterranean women; lace which leaves room for imagination, without revealing too much..." he continues listing the suitably grand and evocative associations that lace brings to mind.

"Lace stands for sensuality but also versatility," Domenico Dolce chimes in. "I cannot think of a collection without lace throughout all the years.  We used it in different colours, used it as a fabric, as a paint, as an insert, we have embroidered it.  Lace is precious, it is delicate but it also represents women who have a great personality and wear it with confidence.

"We think lace suits every occasion," Signor Gabbana argues, not unreasonably given its reach: lace is for christenings, weddings, funerals and just about any occasion in-between.  "Lace is sensual and elegant for evening, more informal and ironic for day, especially when teamed with denim or knitwear."

"Lace is right at any age and in any circumstances," says Domenico Dolce.  "you can never get tired of it." 




Leatitia Casta, Venice Film Festival in Dolce&Gabbana black lace 

 

CHANEL COUTURE S/S 2013

Karl Lagerfeld showcased gothic gowns in a garden-like setting for Chanel's spring/summer 2013 haute couture line. 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 









 

 



 

 

 

 

 

CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTURE S/S 2013

It may be Winter outside, but spring had definitely sprung on the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2013 Couture collection. A scented French garden was recreated in an annex of Paris's Jardin Des Tuileries.

As models strutted amongst hazelnut trees and beautifully trimmed box hedges.  Gowns evocative of Christian Dior's 1947 New Look with petal and flower appliques, made it easy to forget cold wintry winds and dark layers of past months.

Creative Director Raf Simons

"I wanted to do a very self explanatory collection," Simons Said.  I wanted it to be about the very idea of spring."