One of my favorite hot spots for truly culturally couture gowns is Cultural Bride Couture. Lisa always has delightful and enchanting designs that blend modern with traditional. With that said, she is also a breath of fresh air when it comes to highlighting the latest in the couture world of fashion, bridal or non bridal. I love her style and approach to creating the ULTIMATE gown with at WOW!!

Lisa recently highlighted the best of the best in designs from the Autumn/Winter 2010 couture show in Paris. I loved her post so much, I thought I would share it here with you, and add my two cents! Grab an iced latte and be inspired!

Personally, I’m inspired by the colors and the set design for Christian Dior. The over sized flower petals are utterly striking in vibrant shades of orange and yellow with touches of green. And even with all the “background” the stunning designs are not overpowered! Anyone going for an enchanted garden theme? This would be an awesome inspiration for your wedding décor – opulent, extravagant, yet visually pleasing and not overpowering!

Photos above – Christian Dior Autumn/Winter Couture 2010

That exciting time of year has rolled around again – the Autumn/Winter Couture shows in Paris (in the first week of July annually). This year nine Couture design houses showed their latest collections, including Chanel, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Armani Prive, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino and Elie Saab, as well as relative newcomers Bouchra Jarrar and Alexis Mabille.

The Paris Couture shows aim to introduce new looks, new colours, new silhouettes and new ideas, and they set the trends that will gradually trickle down into mainstream fashion- sometimes it may be 6 months to a year before we see these new concepts being more widely accepted and embraced by the fashionistas of the world, and even longer before we might see them worn by the public! It’s a golden opportunity to strengthen the global image of that particular fashion house or brand, and show the world that they are leaders (and not merely followers) who have the foresight, skills and courage to try new things and create some magic!

So, here are my bridal-related translations, comments & favourite looks from the July 2010 Couture shows, viewed online at the BEST FASHION WEBSITE in the world- www.style.com

ALEXIS MABILLE – there were 2 gorgeous dresses that really stood out for me (see pix above), and both these looks could inspire a bride to move away from tradition and think outside the square, with contrasting colours and plenty of texture and detailing (black lace on white, applique, amazing beading & embroidery). Vintage-inspired silhouettes with a fresh modern twist – STUNNING WORK!!!

I am absolutely floored by the second dress. I love the touch of color at the top, but the overall silhouette and simplicity of this striking dress. Either of these could translate into a non-traditional colored bridal gown, or a more traditional Western gown shade of white.

GIVENCHY- (pictured above) – I loved this collection – True Haute Couture, edgey, intricate, beautifully made, truly unique in design and quite simply AMAZZZING!!! Inspired by the concept of the skeleton (amongst other things), and featuring incredible embellishments, this sensual and moody collection was truly beautiful for me.

I’m sort of torn with Givenchy myself. While I love the middle dress, very lengha inspired, the first one leave MUCH to be desired and the last one is a little too riske for wedding attaire. But I would love to see how it would translate or inspire a bridal gown.

ELIE SAAB- (pictured below) – this designer sure knows how to dress a woman! His elegant & ultra-feminine gowns, from soft floaty silk chiffon to draped Grecian-inspired looks and heavier textured lace sheaths, were all works of art and surely an inspiration to many brides around the world! He creates breath-taking eveningwear, dramatic bridal designs, and experiments with different looks within each collection, which i love to see. AS ALWAYS- DELIGHTFUL !!!

I agree whole heartedly here with Lisa, Ellie Saab always delights! Striking and amazing designs that translate into any color, let alone a beauty in white. I’m torn, as I find an element of each of these I absolutely adore! The sleeves and the hem of the first dress are unique, while the bead work and the color of the second are absolutely breathe taking. And then of course, the third fills the most traditional romantic image of a beautiful bride floating in a cloud of simmering organza.

CHRISTIAN DIOR – (pictures at top of this page) – CD’s head designer John Galliano is a living legend – what more can i say!! His work for the house of Dior is NEVER dull, in fact he brings so much life, colour, drama and theatre to each collection, it’s always a thrill! This season his inspiration was flowers – and each model was like a walking, breathing, beautiful floral bloom, in perfectly draped cocktail dresses and fabulous ballgowns. A riot of unexpected colour combinations, cleverly pleated & ruffled textures, dip-dyed and hand-painted colour graduations, and classic Dior silhouettes given a fresh new burst of life. BRAVO !!

Check out www.style.com for the full collections, plus lots more – Couture heaven!!

Til next time, xx Lisa

Thank you Lisa for your insight and walk through the top designs for the upcoming trends! I simply can’t wait to see them realize into bridal designs!