Cameron Diaz was the picture of elegance in a polka dot Christian Dior design during their haute couture show in Paris. The actress selected a black-and-white print with a sophisticated flare that fell just above her knee.

It had a boat neckline, fitted bodice and full skirt. She accessorized the dress with a leather belt and a pair of unexpected strappy sandals. I loved her in this look because it was simultaneously ladylike and playful.

Her hair was styled in an up-do with volume on top. The make-up was in a peachy-pink palette that worked well with her blue eyes.

Image via InStyle

Pretty, soft and ethereal were the dresses on the Valentino runway during its Couture show for Spring 2011.  Blush colored gowns were the order of the day with a pop of red for contrast.  They came in light and sheer fabrics, skillfully draped ruffles and delicate lace.  It was feminine and refined with a hint of aristocracy that was evidenced in the designs, textile and Old World charms of the room. 

Elie Saab showed a Spring 2011 couture collection that screams for attendance on the red carpet.  We are half-way in awards season and several of these dresses would be right at home at any of those events.  They are creations on a grand scale, containing hidden secrets within their laborious construction.  The end results are exquisite and achingly beautiful.  True red, black, ecru and a wealth of blush colored gowns paraded down the runway in Paris.  Fine craftsmanship is visible in the fit, draping, silhouette and in all the details that make thesegowns so desirable.

Drama and splendor marked the Christian Dior Spring 2011 couture show.  The collection was decadent in all the right ways.  It had rich hues as well as soft pastels with a multitude of handcrafted details.  This was big in both volume and presence, it was made possible by the finest fabrics and with the most exacting specifications.  It was glamour reminiscent of the days of Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner and Marilyn Monroe, during the days of Hollywood royalty.  The well-coiffed hair and bold red lips only heightened the effect.

Armani Prive visited the future for its Spring 2011 couture collection.  Circular shapes were all over the runway in materials with fluid like movement and consistency.  Evening wear dominated in blue, blue-green and raspberry red with little pops of purple and grey sprinkled throughout.  Shoulders were plentiful in strapless and off-the-shoulder styles.  It was nice to see futuristic done with glamour and elegance.  The designer also successfully experimented with various shapes that perfectly captured the theme.

Sparkle, sequins and gold dominated Elie Saab’s Couture Fall 2010 collection.  The gowns floated down the runway in beautiful fall colors of red, gold, taupe, seafoam green and a print so lovely it brings to mind the frescoes in Italy.  We saw draping, beading and oragami pleating that was simply breathtaking on the breezy silk chiffon.  Saab opted for full on glamour and opulence with his fabric selection.  Only the construction and careful attention to details rivaled those choices.  The collection is reminiscent of the fashion from the television series in the 1980′s, Dynasty, but it’s the updated version for the 21st century. 

The simplest way to sum up Christian Dior’s Fall 2010 Haute Couture show is to deem it a lesson in perfection, but that barely covers the colors, shapes and magnificence of the collection.  It was a bouquet of splendor on display for all to admire.  Many connected instantly with the collection because it was daring and bold, yet at the height of femininity.  We also marvelled at John Galliano’s ability to bring the Botanical Garden to the runway.  There is genuine excitement about this show because it was like attending an art exhibition of one of our favorite artists.  Dior’s Fall 2010 collection lived up to our preconceived notions of haute couture, and in true showman fashion, Galliano has left us wanting more. 

The Givenchy couture collection will be the choice of a new generation of couture connoissieurs.  There was  no predictability here, only modern and timely pieces.  Its youthful vibrancy was a break from the more expected couture aesthetic.  For these reasons, Givenchy made our Rollcall list during Couture Week.  The collection boasted wonderful shapes, colors and textures.  Black and white, and fleshtones opened the show, then an explosion of color followed; various shades of blues, emerald green and purple lit up the runway.  The next generation does not want to play dress up in there mother’s couture.  They seek to be daring without being gimmicky, and Riccardo Tisci delivered. View the entire collection here.

Elie Saab’s spring 2010 couture collection is perfection.  A parade of stunning gowns came down the runway in the palest blue, lavender, yellow and flesh tones.  They ranged from the ethereal to the tulle lined confections with exquisite detailing.  The neutral color palette lends a sophistication to an already elegant collection.  Some of the gowns floated down the runway as if they were ready to take flight.  Beautiful lace, lovely appliques and seemingly translucent fabric permeated the spring collection.  Oh, and the beaded gowns are definitely ready for their red carpet close-up.  View the entire collection here.

Meet Alexis Mabille, a French fashion designer who is the new couturier in Paris.  He is only 30 years old, and has already worked with John Galliano and at Yves Saint Laurent.  His style is very romantic and feminine, his signature is the bow tie.  Mr. Mabille has his sight set on the younger couture buyer.   That is a good way to avoid direct competition with the older more established houses, but I wonder if the younger buyer will have the buying power to sustain this venture in the present economy.  Even so, his designs are fresh and pretty, and will be coveted.