PARIS HAUTE COUTURE: ARMANI PRIVÉ FALL/WINTER 11

A match made in heaven. Armani garments with Philip Treacy millinery. One of my favourite shows this year.

When I was interning at Philip Treacy for two months at the beginning of Summer, I saw the samples of the Armani hats being created before my eyes. As you can imagine, I saw a lot of hats whilst I was working there, but none took my breath away quite as much as the hats created for Armani Paris Haute Couture - and they were only samples. 

Clearly oriental inspired, this collection is so mesmerising. I love how the floral patterned silk contrasts with the harsh blocked black velvet. I'm in awe of the handbags from this show too, so elegant and simply beautiful. 

My favourite bag from the collection - this long velvet clutch with the amber jewel. Look at the heron fastening!

From the simple felt bow head pieces to the elaborate geisha-esque works of art, the Philip Treacy millinery that accompanies this show compliments the style so well. Obviously, I am bias considering Philip Treacy can do no wrong in my eyes, but I really believe that his hats steal the show for me. The garments are so sleek, sexy and sultry and I feel that the hats marry with the clothing so beautifully. The hats are architectural and structural, therefore they contrast so charmingly with the slick clothes. 

Some of the hats mimic the hairstyles of Japanese women. 

Others are bows that replicate Obi knots. 

And some are enchanted Japanese blossoms 

This show is so perfect to me - the drama, the colours, the materials and the flair. To me this show is so appealing because of the neat contrasts between sleek and harsh. On one hand, I love the sharp origami silhouettes but we are also being introduced to soft tailoring with the silk sheath like garments. These two combinations just work so gorgeously. Absolutely beautiful. 

Simple tailored printed silk fabrics following the natural contours of the models silhouette 

Bolder folded origami style structured clothing is later introduced.

This is a show to be admired on so many levels. From the prints to the fabric. From the jewels to the accessories. This show is desirable to any audience.

Please please watch this. The hats and garments become more and more beautiful as the show progresses.

STUNNING.

xoxo