Jean Paul Gaultier presented a highly-stylized Couture presentation for Spring 11. jagged faux hawks, or “mohikans”, black and red lips, narrow sunglasses. Swag-influenced models made their way down the runway and off stage, while nodding to fashion shows of old when models carried look numbers down the runway while an announcer introduced each look in French and then English.

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the collection itself was heavy and hard, parisian “punk couture” meets can-can. although deep in black and metal, it didn’t stray too far away from being called girly either: tulle was abundant, as was just the right amount of skin and red.

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:: designer Jean Paul Gaultier. images via style.com.

watch the runway video here.

Elie Saab’s Couture collection teased with delicate looks of organza and pale pinks and slowly transitioned into seductive gowns in red and black. the off the shoulder collar bone bearing gowns with tiny waists and floor sweeping organza layers that finished out the collection make Saab’s a contender for my favorite collection.

stylists will be clamoring for these looks, can’t wait to see who wears them and who wears them well.

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:: designer Elie Saab. images via style.com.

Karlie Kloss opened John Galliano’s Dior Couture show with a flash of fire: crimson a line jacket over an organza calf length skirt, lips red as blood and high arched red eyebows. the attitude of this show was like no other, as Galliano is nothing if not a man who loves to put on a show.

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taking cue from René Gruau, the illustrator who worked with Dior in the 40′s and 50′s, Galliano used his past works in the fabric of the collection, literally integrating his inspiration at every step.  Gruau’s watercolors, his lines, his curves.

:: illustration by René Gruau.

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:: designer John Galliano. images via style.com.

Ricardo Tisci’s Couture presentation moved the designer into a softer, more somber place. the collection was based on “the color of dried flowers” according to  style.com.

never one to shy away from detail, Tisci’s collection influence was Japan and the recent passing of dancer Kazuo Ohno, whose style Tisci so admired. small bursts of color brought attention to the back of each look, and  head-wear provided by Philip Treacy took cue from the robotic Japanese influence, creating a small distraction from the collection, which in true Tisci fashion took hours upon hours to complete by hand, every ornate piece a sign of the designers craft.

:: if you have never had the opportunity to touch a Givenchy piece, make every effort in your lifetime to. you will not be disappointed.

:: images via style.com.

Giorgio Armani gave us a a futuristic-influenced Couture show for Armani Prive, making sure to provide what other shows did not : metallics in gemstone tones.

greens, pinks and deep blues made their way down the runway in strong shoulders and bright lips. with a strong emphasis on the hips Armani showed dresses, skirts and pantsuits with both protruding proportions or cut out chunks, exposing a skin-tight slice of fabric. the accessories were a collection of their own; small oddly shaped clutches, chunky wrist-stacked bracelets, massive cocktail rings and door-knocker earrings.

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:: designer Giorgio Armani. images via style.com.