Alexander McQueen took the royal path for Fall 2011, and it was a creative success.  The collection was regal and opulent in extravagant fabric.  This was a lesson in details, even the sleeves, hemlines and necklines were carefully crafted.  Lavender, black and white were the dominant colors; many in gorgeous lace and sheer materials.  Ruffles, embellishments, fur and feathers added texture, while the geometric patterns added structure and modernity.  The collection was lavish, exactly what is expected at McQueen.  It had the right combination of opulence and romance.

Valentino was especially pretty and romantic for Fall 2011.  The dresses were beautiful and ornate, some were affixed with rose appliques.  Others were made of sheer lace.  This collection was all about youthful femininity.  Many of the dresses were above the knee, yet they remained modest and ladylike.  A color palette of  purple and wine alongside rose and brown was luxurious and rich.  The pieces were soft, even the leather was softened once combined with sheer fabric;  it also created a beautiful geometric pattern.  Pink and brown furs added an exclamation point to a lavish collection.

Chanel brought us darker hues and richer textures by way of its signature tweeds for Fall 2011.  They came in pant suits, separates and coats alongside luxuriant knitwear.  It was not all black and gray though, colors like red, blue and green were sprinkled throughout as accents.  Some dresses were paired with plush and textured tops underneath for a lavish look.  The standout piece was  a cream and black dress with a tweed top and shredded bottom, it had all the hallmarks of Chanel.  Absent from this runway were platforms and stilettos, in their place were lace-ups and two inch heels.  Sumptuous textile added to the opulence of this collection.

Collette Dinnigan brought beauty and femininity to the runway for Fall 2011.  Lace and tulle permeated the collection and the result was refined elegance.  The geometric print in cobalt blue and black popped out on a white background.  Some of the silhouettes were retro-inspired, ladylike and chaste.  Gloves contributed to the romance of the pieces.  Both the lace and print brought depth and texture, they created beautiful and distinct patterns.  A color palette in black and white was imbued with cobalt blue.

Yves Saint Laurent was at the height of high fashion with luxurious furs, voluminous shapes and gorgeous silhouettes for Fall 2011.  Hemlines varied, some were above and some fell below the knees.  The color palette was black, white and gray with cobalt blue acting as the accent.  The neutral colors could not mask the opulence of this collection.  These pieces were beautifully made, it was all about the details in the sleeves, necklines and hemlines.      

Giambattista Valli was all about short dresses in lovely prints and vivid colors for Fall 2011.  Color-blocking also had a dominant presence on this runway.  A color palette of fuchsia, yellow, white, black and gray brought a balance between neutrals and brights.  The prints were of a floral nature on a white background serving as the canvas.  The silhouette was not form-fitting, but fell away from the body.  This collection was chic and modern in its shapes and lines.

Stella McCartney was a combination of the sleek and the voluminous for Fall 2011.  Just as the sleeves and coats took on extreme volume, the sleek dresses took on the form-fitting specifications of the body.  Polka dots were at the centerpiece of the collection,  velour followed closely.  Both were equally beautiful, and brought texture to the garments.  There were overlays that extended the lengths of dresses to the knee.  The color palette was black, white and cobalt blue.  This show was successful at bringing the feminine and the masculine onto the same runway.

Givenchy was both feminine and fierce for Fall 2011.  They offered mini-skirts with two hemlines, one flirty hem and the other sheer and knee-length.  The color black permeated the collection, but there were bursts of sunshine yellow sprinkled throughout.  The prints were also plentiful and a bit playful, think feline.  It was all about proportions with a touch of whimsy at Givenchy.  This collection skirted the edges of the provocative without fully committing; sheer pieces were combined with more modest pieces for balance.

John Galliano was one of the most anticipated shows this season, even in his absence.  The planned theatrical event was downgraded to a presentation within days of its debut.  Though the turmoil from Galliano’s recent career demise remained in the air, the collection was well-received.  His genius is undeniable.  The pieces were as dramatic as the shows once orchestrated in seasons past by the designer.  Some gowns were adorned with feathers while others were in sheer sophisticated prints; even the lace were unapologetically sheer.  Outerwear was also featured heavily in this collection, some in tweed and others with beautiful fur collars.  In sum, this was among the label’s best work, opulence and luxury in a nutshell.

Roland Mouret brought chic and elegance to the runway in Paris for Fall 2011.  The designs appeared deceptively simple at first blush, but theywere rich with intricate details.  Beautiful draping was at the heart of this collection.  Soft and subdued colors in gray and tan were accompanied by red accent colors.  Hemlines were below the knees without being dowdy; the flawless shapes and designs made them modern and youthful.  A few of the dresses were paired with luxurious bolero jackets and vests made of fur, those looks were both the decadent and the highlight of the show.