Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Pics + Runway Video!

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Pics + Runway Video!

Flower and Ruffle Power!

Alta Moda Ruffles: Designer Giambattista Valli (center) with two of his Roman Alta Moda-inspired designs, Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Continuing with Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Week, designer Giambattista Valli showed his collection. Battista, known for his volants and prints, didn't disappoint on both counts. Ruffles exploded with grand exuberance in dresses, coats, gowns--you name it, they were there. The collection--based on fairies, nymphs, and a whimsical garden of COUTURE, featured flower prints in every variation that it almost made me forget that this was a FALL/WINTER Collection--as opposed to Spring/Summer.This seems to be a trend for this season!

 Peplum Couture: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

You want PEPLUM? Huuuuney, Giambattista SERVED you PEPLUM--folded in what seemed like TEN layers(see far left and second-to-the-right photos above). Lord knows how those petite main COUTURE seamstresses fit all those layers into waist seams but they did it without a semblance of bulk (a masterful achievement indeed, trust me!). Many a cocktail dress and gown to satisfy all the multimillionaire ladies who order and buy these $100,000+ pieces, as well as those Cannes-and-Hollywood actresses who will borrow these dresses for a red carpet appearance worthy of all those flower prints and over-the-top ruffles.

Flower Power: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

50's Eleganza: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

In my opinion, so far, this is one of my favorite collections of Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 Fashion Week. Every piece was more incredible than the other. Each was a clear representation of what Haute Couture is and reminded me of those 1950's and 1960's heydays of Roman Alta Moda, which obviously influenced the designer a lot. I was literally SHAKING as I viewed every photo. I love it when fashion does that to me. Grazie mille Giambattista.

Pouf: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Flora and Fauna Details: Check out those netting masks covering the delicately beautiful model's faces--some highlighted with butterflies. The oversized lady bug arm cuffs and twig-like belts--all in gold were OUT of CONTROL! From head to toe, these were Grand Couture Nymph Fairies waiting for a fabulous party to attend!




Click Below for the Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 Runway Video (edited):

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Elizabeth Taylor: A Fashion Icon--A Photo Look Back

Fearless, Fashion Leader, Diva, Humanitarian, A Hollywood Fashion Star

Draped Queen: Elizabeth Taylor as "Cleopatra" draped in rust-colored jersey and blue key-hole neckline dresses designed by Costume Designer Irene Sharaff (1963)

We were all saddened to find out of the passing of the LAST Hollywood Goddess: Elizabeth Taylor. She lived a life, that's for sure. I am certain that tributes will pour in for all that she did through her life--from her acting, her marriages, her men...to being a Champion against AIDS. They do not make women like Elizabeth Taylor any more. Of course, I wanted to do my own little "photo" tribute in terms of her FASHION! To me--and I'm sure to others--she was also a FABULOUS Fashion Icon. And these photos certainly prove it! From what she wore on screen--as well as off--to Academy Awards Shows, red carpet premieres, her many weddings, or just being caught by the paparazzi, Miss Taylor WORKED it OVERTIME!

Here's a Look Back:

50's Elegance: Elizabeth Taylor in a draped bust and fitted corseted dress

70's Hippie Chick: Elizabeth Taylor arriving at Heathrow Airport in London 1970, and her white hot pants ensemble and matching boots

The 90's: Elizabeth Taylor, in lemon-yellow silk crepe gown with "Devore" sleeve and neckline detail, holding her Humanitarian Oscar in 1997 Academy Awards

Dynasty Shoulders: Elizabeth Taylor in blue velvet gown with Leg o' Mutton exaggerated sleeves

Going To The Ball: Elizabeth Taylor (with Larry Forstensky in the background) wearing a canary yellow silk ball-gown skirt and silver v-neck top and shawl, 1991

Miss Taylor Never Met A Turban She Didn't Like...

Diva Sheikha: No one worked the Turban look of the late 1960's and early 70's more than Elizabeth Taylor. It was the perfect accessory to highlight and frame her STUNNING face, those eyes, and of course, once in a while, one of those priceless diamonds she owned...

Pink Turban: With Richard Burton, in pink sequin and silk gown

Seriously, this has got to be one of the MOST FABULOUS Elizabeth Taylor looks EVER--From "Boom!", a 1968 film adapted from a Tennesse Williams play where she plays an aging actress. The Fashions--designed by Tiziani of Rome-- were the actual STARS of this film--next to Elizabeth Taylor. The plunging neckline sequined gown, THAT headdress, the diamonds, the emeralds, the cigarette and then...a glass of beer! Fearless Liz! Seriously.

Fashion Diva with Her Men:

1950 Wedding to Hotel Heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton: Elizabeth Taylor in her timeless silk duchesse wedding gown with a fitted corset and full ball gown skirt

1959 Wedding To Eddie Fisher: Wearing an emerald green silk chiffon dress and veil (love the matching flowers!)

1960 Academy Awards: Elizabeth Taylor wins Best Actress Oscar for "Butterfield 8"--with husband Eddie Fisher, wearing an ivory silk embroidered ball gown skirt with waist rose-and-sash detail and see-through high neck top

1962 Fashionista: Elizabeth Taylor with husband Eddie Fisher, making an entrance in a draped open-necked gown that could be THE Epitome of CHIC in 2011--almost 50 years later!!!

Bow To The Lady: Now this is how all actresses should be "caught" by the paparazzi: Elizabeth Taylor--with Richard Burton--wearing a flower hat, elegantly tailored coat, pointed heels and a crocodile purse. Effortless.

One Shoulder Grecian: Elizabeth Taylor, in a one-shouldered draped gown with diamond brooch at shoulder and flowers accenting her jet-black hair, with Richard Burton

The ORIGINAL Brad and Angelina: In 1971, with Richard Burton--wearing turquoise blue open-necked (of course!) dress and THAT 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond!

Valentino Lace: The infamous Elizabeth Taylor/Larry Fortensky Wedding at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The Bride wore a custom pale yellow Chantilly Lace tiered gown by Valentino. The entire wedding was estimated to cost $2 Million and is on the list of Forbes 20 Most Expensive Weddings! I'm sure her haute Couture Valentino gown didn't help (the budget, that is)

We'll Miss You Elizabeth.