Le Japonais Couture...
Arigato Armani: Giorgio Armani takes his bow on July 5th at his Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Paris France Over a week ago--during the Paris Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture Fashion Week--Giorgio Armani showed his offering of his Armani Prive collection--yes, the one you will see on big A-List Hollywood stars and yes, the one in which garments are hand-made, made-to-order to the size of the clients and yes, the one where a suit ensemble can put you back about $45,000 and a gown, well...about $100,000. Armani and Armani Prive have been in the news as of late because of the Prince Albert-and-Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding (Bride wore Armani Prive Custom Wedding Gown) and of course, there were all those Royal Ladies who decided to order some of those $100,000+ aforementioned ensembles (The Belgium Royal contingency LUVS themselves some Armani Prive!!).
Sushi Queen: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011For Fall/Winter 2011, the theme was Hommage au Japon. The collection was heavy on the origami folds, cherry blossom prints and obi belts. Suit ensembles featured cropped pants and nipped-in waist jackets. Plunging and/or asymmetrical necklines accented these as well as those obi belts and origami-style pleating and draping.
Cherry Blossom Suiting: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011The gowns were sumptuous, with silk velvets, oversized orange paillettes, and Japan-inspired flower prints. It's difficult for ANY fashion designer to do Japonais when , well, John Galliano and his now-iconic (and heart-palpating) Dior Haute Couture Spring 2007 Collection of over four years ago, has become THE Fashion Design Guide Rule Book for what Madam Butterfly should look like...but I give Mr. Armani and his Armani Prive Design Team "Nick V." Points for even trying. Take a look:
Little Tokyo Gown: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011 
Red Carpet Geisha: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011
Tunic Couture: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011
And then , of course, there were those FABULOUS Philip Treacy hats--this one above being one of my favorites--Can't wait until Princess Beatrice features this one at some event and makes half the Western Hemisphere--as well as East Asia--gasp!Click Below for Full Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Video:
