couture fall 2011 : other notable favorites

There weren't a lot of shows that impressed me in their majority this season - maybe because couture is a strange and unusual thing, and it either isn't crazy enough or it goes too far and doesn't make sense.  But here are some other favorites from shows that I still would like to post!

Bouchra Jarrar

 Chanel

 Elie Saab - more intrigued by his shorter dresses this year

Jean Paul Gaultier - usually not a Gaultier person, but this dress was too interesting to me!

 Giambattista Valli

 Givenchy - I really loved these.  The setting was perfect, and the dresses look like they've grown into the models to appear somewhat god-like and inhumanly beautiful.

Valentino

couture fall 2011 : alexis mabille

A very unusual show, with more dark undertones - inspired by La Fontaine's animal fables (the Ant, the Grasshopper, the Wolf, the Horse).  Didn't get good reviews, but I love the creativity. 

couture fall 2011 : azzedine alaïa

Felted wools in deep forest shades, laser-cut velvet, fitted knit jackets and knit tiered skirts - sort of a dark vampiric beauty (yeah I know, I just started watching True Blood) but it seems appropriate to describe this collection.  After not showing for 8 years, Alaïa made a magnificent comeback.  And I don't know a woman who wouldn't want one of those jackets.