Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: A/W ’11

Givenchy Haute Couture A/W '11

I have collected images of some of my favorite designs from the Autumn/Winter 2011 Paris Haute Couture shows. For those who are unfamiliar with fashion industry jargon, the term “haute couture” basically means “high fashion.”

The photo above is of Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci’s A/W ’11 collection. He did not have a runway show, but instead displayed 12 of his looks on mannequins in a townhouse on Place Vendome, a prestigious square in Paris.

The designers featured below include Elie Saab, Dior, Chanel, Giambattista Valli, and Iris Van Herpen. These gorgeous and unique couture garments prove that fashion truly is an art form.

Elie Saab:

I have always loved the elegant and romantic designs of Elie Saab:

Photo: AFP

Photo: Reuters

Photo: AFP

Photo: Reuters

Christian Dior:

The fashion house presented its first runway show in 15 years without John Galliano as Creative Director. I love the whimsy of this collection:

Photo: AP

Photo: Getty

Photo: AP

Photo: Getty

Chanel: Karl Lagerfeld

A recurring theme in this collection is the use of peplums and longer pencil skirts that flare out into “fishtails” if you will. Also, his use of a lace mask on each model reminded me of Audrey Hepburn’s costume from “How to Steal a Million.”