2010 Spring Couture

Sometimes fashion is serendipitous. I just saw Avatar last weekend, and lo and behold, it's the inspiration behind Jean Paul Gaultier's Spring couture collection. "I saw 'Avatar' and, like everyone, found it extraordinary. And from there, I began thinking of nature and ecology, and the Latin American tropics and from there it was not very far to Mexico," explained Gaultier. Just when I was envisioning my Avatar-inspired Burning Man outfit, JPG churns out the most phenomenal couture collection yet.Spanish influences were explained via embroidery, white ruffled blouses (and pant skirts), shawls, and refined black separates. A black and white Aztec motif stands out, while some creations perfectly blend sci-fi with the primitive. The most awe inspiring were beaded, feathered, sculpted, and adorned with exotic accessories. Karlie could upstage Neytiri in her decadent feather fan hoop skirt, tailored jacket, and headdress. Get ready to go back to Pandora . . .

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The Spring couture shows are currently underway in Paris, which means it's time for star-studded front rows. Anne Hathaway was Giorgio Armani's guest of honor yesterday for his presentation, though she was able to tear herself away from his runway full of red carpet-worthy gowns long enough to exchange loving glances with her boyfriend Adam Shulman. Anne recently found out she's the year's female recipient of Harvard's Hasty Pudding pot, and she's also set to announce the Oscar nominations back in LA on February 2. Elsewhere in Paris, Hilary Swank joined Inglourious Basterds's Melanie Laurent at a collection from Etam designed by the model Natalia Vodianova. This morning brought Karl Lagerfeld's latest collection for Chanel, which went with a "neon baroque" theme. Pregnant Claudia Schiffer was there to join Alexa Chung and the always attention-grabbing Kanye West and Amber Rose.

To see more from the shows, just read more

Karl Lagerfeld concocted an extra special couture collection for Spring '10. The inspiration — "neon baroque" — was devoid of his usual hues of black and navy. "It's the first time in my whole career I've done a collection without black or navy. There's not one gold button," said Lagerfeld. Interestingly enough, the concept was a result of "electronic flashes" he experienced in his sleep. "I saw it in a dream and I made the sketches . . . at five o'clock in the morning," said Lagerfeld. With fresh ingenuity, the designer sent his models down the runway, with awesome Minnie Mouse hair, in a rainbow of whimsical color. Brights pastels, ice blues, and minty fresh hues were cut into delicious frothy tiered frocks, cocoon wraps, culottes, and sleek silky dresses.

His iconic tweed suit was present, but has been updated with flashy metallic embroidery, sequins, and fun florals. Metallic silver footwear also added a modern touch. The perfect ending? Abbey Lee Kershaw, draped in a lace and silk gown, and Baptiste Giabiconi, shining in a foil suit, walking down the runway as bride and groom. Exquisite.

To see more amazing Chanel, read more

Spring Couture week kicks off with Christian Dior. Oh, yes. Inspired by one of the first American fashion designers, Charles James, renowned for being a master at cutting, the influence is evident in Galliano's highly dramatic, sculptured forms. Equestrian style, as well as romanticism, are also present. The house's current muse, Karlie Kloss, is adorably severe in a red peplum jacket and asymmetrical plaid skirt, veiled topper, whip, riding boots, et al. Bowed, cinched, and pleated gowns fit for a queen rule, while beading and lace supply lavish texture. Frothy white and meringue daywear round out the exquisite couture collection.

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Couture Week is upon us — can you feel the excitement?! Here's a fun thought: Let's make believe we're all invited to sit front row, smack dab in the middle of all the fashion madness. What will we wear? Construct an outfit that will not only knock my socks off, but also wow your fellow front-rowers.

I'll start you off with these Alexander McQueen Star Platforms ($799) because couture requires sexy, whimsy, theatrics.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with Couture Week. Now, you can build outfits by creating your very own widget of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when completing your Fab Finding missions. Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here's a detailed explanation of bookmarks from GeekSugar.

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