Georges Hobeika Couture S/S 2012

Haute Couture in Paris means beautiful handcrafted clothes, and Georges Hobeika went above and beyond this at his Spring 2012 Couture show. I was one of the lucky few who got an invitation to the show at the beautiful Le Meurice hotel. Flowing chiffon dresses and soft pastel colors showed femininity and sensuality throughout the collection. A creative touch was created with beautiful intricate embroidery and beadwork meant to reference the beauty and grace of an orchid. I was so lucky to be sitting front row at this show as I was able to see the beadwork and embroidery up close. The amount of beads used on the pieces and the workmanship was incredible. The collection showed unique embroidery and beadwork techniques, that adorned the pieces around the neck, on the shoulders and even trailing down the front.

This was one of my favorite shows for the S/S 2012 Couture collection this season. The elegant and feminine pieces were beautiful and easy to wear. I hope we see some of these pieces walking down a red carpet sometime soon! This designer knows how to create an old fashion glamor with a modern approach.

The flowing pieces created with chiffon and silk organza were beautiful, and some pieces had ripped and feathered pieces of fabric to create the illusion of real feathers. Folded and pleated fabrics had a sculptural feel, yet still remained soft and feminine. The pastel mint green color was stunning, and the pale yellow was flattering and a nice hue that anyone could wear.

Overall, this show was one of my all time favorites. It was full of feminine, beautiful pieces with fabulous beadwork and embroidery. It ended with a stunning wedding gown that was fully embroidered from top to bottom with beads and flowers. It was the perfect ending to a perfect collection.

Seeing Double at Chanel

At Paris Fashion Week, while I was outside of the Chanel SS/2012 show I was introduced to Sama and Haya Abu Khadra. The identical twins are 18-year-old sisters who are quickly becoming recognizable faces on sartorial blogs and fashion week front rows alike. Daughters of Rula Abu Khadra, founder of "The Art of Living" lifestyle boutique in Saudi Arabia, the girls currently live in Dubai.

They began generating buzz when they started buying for their mom’s store at international fashion weeks in 2008 at the young age of 15. Haya and Sama caused a fashion-blogger-frenzy when they showed up at events this year. With their beautiful cascading curls, model-like figures and, creative style choices, combining designer choices with colorful vintage picks, the two are definitely a show-stopping site.

Not only do the twins forecast trends for The Art of Living, they also occasionally hit the catwalks themselves. In 2009, they were personally invited to model for the Sonia Rykiel Spring collection in Dubai.

At such a young age, these girls are the image of stylish fashionistas, classy and sophisticated. There are definitely two stylish twins to keep an eye on for trend setting styles.

Issey Miyake - Paris Fashion Week

I can't believe I am still catching up with posts about the shows I attended at Paris Fashion Week! There was just so much inspiration to share and write about, that it is taking a while to go through all of it and get it posted!
One of the larger shows that I attended at Fashion Week was the Issey Miyake show held in the Jardin des Tuileries. After waiting in the hot sunshine for over 45 mins we were finally allowed into the massive tent where the show would be held. Thankfully there were cold water bottles and hand held fans waiting for us once inside the venue.
Once the show started, I quickly realized it was worth the wait! The theme of the collection was "Bloom Skin." It featured light, nude tone clothes with vivid colors symbolizing a woman who possesses both gentleness and strength.

The show featured a series of different looks all pertaining to flowers. It started out with a section titled "Bud," which symbolized an innocent bud waiting to bloom.

As the show went on, you could see the transformation of the flowers from a bud, growing stems into blossom, then full bloom. It was a beautiful show full of color and flowing fabrics. Using Japan's advanced weaving technology and Kyoto's traditional printing techniques, the silky soft fabrics showed delicate color gradations.

Semi transparent textures were created using a traditional dye house in Kyoto, which uses a special process on fabrics knit with two types of fibers. One fiber is dissolved, creating a sheer while the other maintains itself as a printed color.

The hat and head pieces in this show by, Christophe Coppens, were also a beautiful whimsical addition to the wonderful clothes. One reason why I liked this show is because they stayed true to the original Issey Miyake brand by manufacturing in cooperation with local craftspeople and creating pieces that are only made-in-Japan technology and ideas.

Shoes of Paris Fashion Week

There were plenty of fabulous shoes this season, both on and off the runway at Paris Fashion Week. Some fabulous finds included Louboutin and Giuseppe Zanotti. I took these photos at the various locations of shows around the city. I am in love with the gold glitter Miu Miu heels.... Which are your favorite?

Christian Lacroix Necklace

Just in time for Paris Fashion Week, I have finished the first necklace in my Christian Lacroix collection!

This stunning necklace features a butterfly piece from the Christian Lacroix atelier. The butterfly features a hand painted ceramic wing and sparking Swarovski crystals. The main part of the necklace is created with Rhodium (Nickle Free) large link chain. Hanging around the front of the necklace is a mixture of semi precious stones and Swarovski crystals. The stones include Citrine, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Rose Quartz, and Peridot. This is a one of a kind beautiful necklace that will never be duplicated, and is your chance to own a piece of the Christian Lacroix legacy! This necklace measures 22" in length and is finished with an extra large toggle clasp.

Christian Lacroix was a french couture designer who unfortunately had to close its doors due to financial reasons in 2009. Subsequently, they sold off a lot of stock from the atelier ranging from beads to pieces left over from couture designs. I was lucky enough to find some of these extraordinary silver pieces which I am now including in some jewelry designs. Each pieces is stamped on the back with the Christian Lacroix logo.

If you are interested in more information or would like to purchase this piece please visit my website at www.glimpsebeads.com or my Etsy boutique http://www.etsy.com/listing/82797896/christian-lacroix-butterfly-piece

Anna Dello Russo at Paris Fashion Week

Last night I went to the Kanye West show for Paris Fashion Week. It was a fabulous night, and I got to meet and have a photograph taken with Anna Dello Russo! She is so inspiring, I couldn't wait to share my photo with my readers! Anna is the editor and creative consultant for Vogue Japan, and is an influential style icon.

Dévastée SS/2012 - Paris Fashion Week

Wednesday morning I attended the Dévastée show which was held under the pont Alexandre III bridge in a club called "Showcase." It was an amazing venue for the show, and I enjoyed the views of the Seine while waiting outside the show. Dévastée are known for their black and white designs. Once the show started, it was evident that they would be sticking to their black and white color scheme. There were beautiful flowing silk dresses with grey panels of photographs printed on them.

Their dresses and jumpsuits with prints were cute, yet chic.

They showed really nice classic pieces, along with their trademark funny little face prints. Overall a nice collection with a little bit of something for everyone!