July 27, 2011

Ethereal

Via Style.com
Via Style.com
Via Style.com
I’m not in the habit of posting runway images, but the Elie Saab Fall 2011 couture collection is simply divine.  It’s sure to be a source of inspiration for the upcoming Fall benefit season. Unlike Spring benefits; Fall benefits call for long gowns that command the red carpet. In a word this collection is ETHEREAL. Couture is a dying art, but these gowns are light, airy and modern. At the heart of this collection is the universal truth that sometimes a girl just wants to look pretty.

Each dress manages to be seductive without revealing too much. These dresses strike the perfect balance. They skim the body, but they don’t cling. What’s shown is just as important as what’s left to the imagination. I adore a designer who thinks about evening outside of the predictable strapless silhouette. There’s something refreshing about stepping out in something unexpected. Perhaps it’s a sign of true confidence.

Now we only have to wait for the Fall benefits to commence.

* You can view the complete collection HERE

20 comments:

  1. Fall means a slowdown in shopping for me, and it's just a bit sad knowing that nearly everything I like is made for colder climates than mine, haha.

    And about your previous post - glad you came out that alright! I was watching the news about heatwaves in the US and wondering how in this day and age do people die from heatstroke, and now I know how easy it is to forget to drink enough water, and get out of the sun at the right time.

    In any case, beautiful sandals!

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  2. Wow, ethereal is a perfect word to describe this collection and I second everything you said. I also wouldn't mind wearing that first dress for my own (far off) wedding!...But with a completed skirt instead of the slit up the front.

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  3. Lovely, I especially adore the third dress, that 1940s silhouette is just so flattering. And I love a good boatneck :)
    Though I should add, much as I enjoy looking at gowns, I always wear saris when I want to dress up for real. Have some lovely ones from my grandmother and mother - in silk and chiffon. The drape is so sexy and flattering, it reveals yet conceals, much like these ethereal gowns. I will be seeing my grandmother this weekend and am excited to wear a sari to a family gathering. Now I just need to pick one!

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  4. Lin- There is somthing really nice about having seasons. It breaks up the monotony. I love early fall and dressing for just a bit of crispness in the air. It's nice to break out the sweaters and scarves.

    Thank you for your warm wishes. Accross the US there has been intense heat. Sadly there have been a few deaths too. It never would have occured to me that healthy/active people could be effected (you usually hear about small children and the elderly), but it is something to take seriously.

    Austere- Yes, such gorgeous gowns. There's something so elegant about wearing a gown. You instantly stand up a little straighter. I agree, the first one could definitely be a wedding gown. So pretty.

    Ammu- I love these silhouettes too. They are so flattering. The boatneck is especially flattering-it reveals the perfect amount of collar bone.

    That's really nice that you get to see your grandmother this weekend. Silk and chiffon saris sound beautiful. I'm always very drawn to kimonos and saris because of the beautiful draping. Such works of art.

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  5. So pretty. This is couture at its best. I love everything you post.

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  6. Anonymous- I agree. Couture is all about craftsmanship, luxurious materials and fantasy. This collection has it all.

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  7. Elie Saab just has that special something :) The detailing is stunning and feminine, I totally agree that they strike the perfect balance. I would have to say that the second dress is my favourite of the three... but only because I think it would make the perfect wedding dress (for me) hee hee :) Fall is my favourite season I love that you can be a bit more dramatic when selecting daily outfits and on an evening the jewelled tones come out to play :)

    Love, Vanilla

    http://notesfrommycloset.blogspot.com/

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  8. I agree. The beading and embroidery is so stunning. I'm glad that we've returned to a more feminine silhouette too. I wasn't a fan of his January couture collection (it was a bit too Miss Havisham for me), but this more than makes up for it.

    I think so many of the dresses in this collection would be beautiful wedding dresses. I find couture to be much more inspiring when it comes to wedding dresses than the bridal collections.

    You're so right about Fall. You can be much more dramatic and I love jewel tones for evening.

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  9. So pretty. I think you really have a good eye for grace and elegance. You have to have an inner poise to wear these looks and it certainty seems that you have it.

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  10. Emmi- Thank you. I would agree. There is certainly an air of decorum and inner grace that is needed to carry these gowns.

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  11. I died when I saw this entire collection - it's so elegant and beautiful. I only wish I could a) afford one of these dresses and b) had somewhere to wear it!

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  12. Jaime-Lee- Such an amazing collection. Each dress is better than the one before.

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  13. fantastic collection:) i had already seen it and im struck!
    If you like, visit out blog too: We're hosting a new giveaway!CLICK HERE!:)

    XOXO
    Farah from FASHIONFABRICE

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  14. These dresses are divine.Your words describe it perfectly! :)

    And, thank you so much for your sweet comment. Each of your comments make my day, It's such an honour because I adore your sophisticated, chic and parisien style, and i love the way you think and say the things.
    You are one of my favorite blogger. :)

    xx

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  15. wow the second dress is just amazing. Like ice/snow/glitter at the same time are falling down on her.
    De dresses are real fairytales.

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  16. gorgeous collection. so true - each piece is its own little slice of seduction, without being too in your face.

    xo

    Bang & Buck

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  17. ethereal describes this collection perfectly! these pieces are so dreamy, i just wish there were an everyday occasion that i could wear a dress like this!

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  18. Fashion Fabrice- It's one of those collections that I'll return to again and again. I think it's very rare that you see a collection this cohesive. I'm a sucker for a well thought out collection.

    Camille S.- Thank you! I enjoy your blog immensely. You have a wonderful sense of style and an eye for quality.

    rabbitshapedclouds- I agree. This collection makes me think of fairy tales and Swan Lake. There's just something very otherworldly about it.

    Bang and Buck- I think that's the key. I love the hint of seduction, but don't want to be hit over the head with it. Subtle is key.

    Ella- So dreamy... I really like that aspect of getting dressed for evening. The right occasion will come that calls for wearing a gorgeous gown.

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  19. I don't know much about designing and high fashion and therefore usually feel a little shy when it comes to commenting on runway shows (though I love watching them!). but this Elie Saab collection really got me. Unlike in some other HC collections, you can really see how much work that must have been. And it's got a wonderful atmosphere - as you said - ethereal!!

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  20. Cato- Oh you shouldn't feel shy about commenting on high fashion. The more fashion shows you watch the more you'll hone your eye.

    I agree with you. You can really see the time that went into this collection. So much was made by hand, which is something that a designer has to love doing.

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