Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week AW 2011/12: Givenchy

The second day of the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week brought with it an amazing show which will definitely be one of the highlights of the week: Givenchy. Presented on the banks of the Seine under the clear blue sky and the blazing afternoon sun, the collection consisted of very few pieces but with amazing detailing. The theme seemed to be something in the direction of fallen angels, light, eerie creatures scintillating under the summer sun. The inspiration was drawn from the bird of paradise, both the mythical animal and the flower, transposed into pale, angelic colors and surreally light fabrics.

The amount of workmanship devoted to the collection was incredible. Every single piece shows intricate beading, embroideries, feathers, sequins, pearls, cashmere and even beaded fringes, all mixed on a transparent silk base barely covering the body and adding to the mystery of the Givenchy Couture woman. This collection seems to be the closest I've seen so far to the old couture, where dresses were made on order and each piece was unique in its own, though complementing the others in the collection. Riccardo Tisci did a fantastic job, the dresses seem extremely simple and light despite the insane degree of detailing that went into creating them.

I have to admit that some of the pieces (like the one with the high collar and the pointy ruffles at the waist) reminded me of Sarah Burton's warrior woman in white from the last Alexander McQueen show in Paris in March, but of course on a very different scale. Sarah Burton's designs were a lot rougher, less delicate and ethereal than Riccardo Tisci's, but still they were going towards the same direction - Tudors dinasty, strong, resolute warrior woman.

It's difficult to choose favorites among these creations, but if I have to pick I would definitely say the one worn by Daphne Groeneveld in the opening photo and the first backless dress. I really liked the end pose, it looks so surreal! 

Here are the photos from the runway show on the banks of the Seine. Which look is you favorite?

Bye the way, did you notice on the last dresses that the clutches have long fringes that go all the way down to the ground and intertwine with the gown?

Photos: Vogue.fr