Martin Margiela Artisanal
Also influenced by the recession but in a very different way, long-time recycling advocate Martin Margiela produced a very whimsical and quirky collection for his Artisanal line. Constructed from materials such as paper towels, shredded denim and shoelaces, it had a surprising appeal. My favourite pieces are the white shoelace dress, black plasticy puffy bolero and the shredded denim one-legged jumpsuit.
Christian Lacroix
Christian Lacroix, by contrast, didn't seem bothered about economic times at all. He created a collection of gasp-worthy pieces as usual. The show, entitled 'The designs of her Nature' included notes on the mood for various pieces – caught, wavering, elated, poised. I think that this insight was necessary, the extravagant designs were typical Lacriox fashion, but for the collection as a whole there didn't seem to be a coherent concept connecting the collection (gosh, try repeating that quickly!). I think it is important to have a connecting concept, otherwise its just a bunch of clothes as opposed to a collection.
Saying that, I did like what I saw – structural, ornate, patterned, paradise brights with plenty corsages and blooms, it was graphic yet romantic. Daywear was very strong, with almost Russian-esque military jackets with gold detailing, flouncy chiffon detailing and mannish trouser shapes. For eveningwear, Lacroix stuck to what he does best: stunning dresses. A white swan-like dress with a flower embroidered jacket was one of my favourites, along with a structured heavily embroidered bodice partnered with a smudged watercolour pouffy skirt. A special mention to the outstanding legwear, the tights were absolutely fantastic.
Givenchy
Having read a great article on Riccardo Tisci (whom I now have a great respect for) in Vogue's February issue, I was greatly anticipating his couture collection for Givenchy. WWD compared his collection those of Chanel and Dior and were fairly critical, stating '[He is] a good designer who has yet to fully deliver on his early promise' and 'it's a different kind of couture than that which sets the standard'. Yes, his collection was not as strong as those created by Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano, but they are masters of couture and it's terribly unfair to compare anyone to them, in my opinion.
I think it was a soft and feminine collection - Seductive nude palette, contrasting sheer and fabric panels, sleek tailoring round shoulders, beautiful draping. Day and eveningwear were equally stunning; with suits toned down with willowy, elegant curves and beautifully languid draped evening gowns with sheer details. That said, he did not lose the sexy edge he's known for, and even managed to incorporate bondage elements to his pretty dresses.
* Source WWD
Givenchy
Having read a great article on Riccardo Tisci (whom I now have a great respect for) in Vogue's February issue, I was greatly anticipating his couture collection for Givenchy. WWD compared his collection those of Chanel and Dior and were fairly critical, stating '[He is] a good designer who has yet to fully deliver on his early promise' and 'it's a different kind of couture than that which sets the standard'. Yes, his collection was not as strong as those created by Karl Lagerfeld and John Galliano, but they are masters of couture and it's terribly unfair to compare anyone to them, in my opinion.
I think it was a soft and feminine collection - Seductive nude palette, contrasting sheer and fabric panels, sleek tailoring round shoulders, beautiful draping. Day and eveningwear were equally stunning; with suits toned down with willowy, elegant curves and beautifully languid draped evening gowns with sheer details. That said, he did not lose the sexy edge he's known for, and even managed to incorporate bondage elements to his pretty dresses.
* Source WWD
Not normally a fan of America's dresses. She always manages to get it wrong. But this is beautiful, really suits her figure but I don't think the colour does anything for her. Love the wispy black though.
I think this is a love-it-or-hate-it dress and I love it! It looks gorgeous on Emily, the cut and colour are fabulous on her.
Eva Longoria in Jenny Packham
Not convinced that this was the right choice. The colour looks a lot better in the close up, but in the other pic she just looks orange. The frilled waist also makes lil Eva look huge from the hips down.
Anne Hathaway in Azzaro
Anne. Awards ceremony. Flawless. The usual!
Evan Rachel Wood in Monique Lhuillier 
Evan is on point! She looks stunning.
Kate Winslett in Narciso Rodriguez 
Not a fan, it looks like one dress from the knees up and a different dress from the knees down.
Kyra Sedgwick in Chanel
Absolutely gorgeous!
Freida Pinto in Marchesa
Love it, such a pretty colour on her. I love the long neck-tie thingy too, nice detail.
Angelina Jolie in Max Azria
I didn't like it at first, I thought it was a shame to cover up such a gorgeous figure but she looks terribly chic.
Very random picture...no idea why I decided to put it up but ho-hum! I still have a penchant for lace tights!
The US Vogue documentary, The September Issue, is premiering this weekend at Sundance. I have a wee snippet for you :) It featured Anna grilling two editors on whether pink is an appropriate message for September. Cannot wait to see the full film!
The dress is flawless, absolutely stunning. I love that shade of blue for evening wear, much more chic and original than black. But I think Anne should have done something different with her hair or makeup, she's very pretty but doesn't look it here.
Absolutely love this, one of my favourite looks. Beautiful dress, and I love that she kept the accessories understated. 
A simple dress is all that's needed to compliment that stunning figure!! Again, keeping the accessories simple. 
Kate looks perfect, the dress suits her and I love the belt detail. Hair and makeup perfectly compliments the outfit.
This dress looks like it was made for Eva. One of my favourite looks.
Angie does it best in very simple, Grecian-style dresses. She looks very statuesque and beautiful. Not a fan of the hair though.
A lot of people panned this dress, but I kinda love it. Not sure it suits J.Lo's curvy figure as much as it suits skinny models. Don't bash me for saying that!! I'm not advocating anorexia at all, different things suit different shapes. On Jennifer, you can't help but notice her bum, chest and figure. On a skinny model, you notice the dress.
Something different, and I love it! A bit risky for the Globes but a knee-length dress is quite refreshing. And those shoes...love them!
Looks like B has turned her back on the Fashionista stage she started and has gone back to shiny and glamorous. It's an alright dress, but I can't help but think she's uncomfortable, it looks so tight!!
Drew looks absolutely amazing! Sexy but not in an obvious way. It's all in the details - off the shoulder and sheer. A sheer blue dress could have gone very wrong but this is perfection. Her hair looks a bit 80s wind tunnel, but we can overlook that!
I like, it's nice to see Evan step away from Dita's shadow and find her own style.
I love this, it reminds me of a Cala Lilly...which is my favourite flower so it's definitely a good thing!
Not normally a fan of black dresses but I like this.
Love this, I think black dresses work best with some kind of texture or sparkle to add interest.
Never thought I would ever write this but I love what Rumur is wearing! The colour looks great on her skin, the shape complements her and the belt is a great touch.
I don't think the colour suits her, but it's a stunning dress.
A brave choice, but I'm so over black and gothic-inspired clothes. The colour of her basque is baffling me, surely black would have been a better choice? From a distance you can't help but stare at her boobs and close up it just looks weird.
I love Maggie for this look! The most interesting choice on the red carpet. Love the print, the colour on her, the big bow and the nipped in waist. Perfection.
So, lessons that we've learnt? Accessories are out, unless it's a subtle clutch or a bling ring. Leave the attention for your dress. Nude shades seem very popular too, as are one shoulder or strapless dresses. The big question is, what's your favourite look?
