The French Connection

If you missed the big show, check out this video of our runway show, featuring 18 fabulous models and French-inspired looks from then and now...Oo la la!!!

I just can't help myself

The Chanel purse kit is just TOO MUCH. It combines two of my favorite things (classic Chanel purses and little kits) and something about it is just so fab. I don't know how this would translate to daily wear, but I'm definitely tempted to try it out. If only my tax refund check would cover a Chanel bag...

Pam Anderson for Vivienne Westwood

Pamela's famous nipples made their appearance on the runway for Vivienne Westwood. I really didn't want to post the pictures but if you don't believe me click here.

We Called It...

The House of Holland Collection was inspired by this seasons Pantone colors!

Bag Heads

From Isaac Mizrahi's runway show.... No wonder he went bankrupt. Yikes!

dlisted

The Sun'll Come Out...

Not that I have a recession obsession, but I think it's really interesting how different designers are reacting to the economic nosedive. Tim Blanks wrote a great write-up of the Dsquared2 Fall 09' show, which debuted on the same day as the Obama inauguration. It's a cool mix of Jazz Age luxe and Dustbowl tough, clearly referencing that other, earlier stock market hiccup. The final song in the show? Annie's "Tomorrow." If that doesn't strike a "Yes we can" chord, I don't know what does.

Images via men.style.com

Green with Envy

Apparently Elise Overland's fall 09 collection was inspired by sushi...



I guess those trousers are supposed to be like seaweed? Therefore this outfit combines many a thing I enjoy: sushi, green, and things that shimmer.



via style.com

51 Year Old Runway Model

Gaultier’s 51-Year-Old Runway Star: Inès de la Fressange

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Getty Images

French model Ines de la Fressange presents a creation by Jean Paul Gaultier for his Spring/Summer 2009 haute couture collection.

As always, this week’s Paris couture shows have been the stomping ground for stick-thin models with high cheek bones and clenched jaws.

But Jean-Paul Gaultier is not one to abide by rules. Despite the presence of singers Kanye West and Kylie Minogue, it was the former French supermodel Inès de la Fressange who stole the show.

As the voluptuous 51-year-old strutted down the runway, the crowd cheered this one-time French queen of the catwalk. Clearly moved, she turned to wave at old friends and slipped off a cream jacket in front of the cameras.

Mr. Gaultier, also caught up in the moment, chased the former supermodel down the runway and practically wrestled her to the ground during the final moments of the show catching her just before she fell.

Fashion models “are not just 14-year-olds,” Mr. Gaultier said later. “There are no [age] barriers to beauty.” The French designer explained that the curvy Ms. de la Fressange embodied the sexuality demanded his raunchy Spanish themed show, which also featured high-waisted pinstripe pants for women, suspenders and elbow-length gloves.

Ms. de la Fressange in the 1980s was the first model to sign an exclusive modeling contract with a haute couture fashion house — Chanel — and then went on to represent France’s symbol of femininity, Marianne. She described how she felt nervous backstage with the other models, “surrounded by all those sexy little things.”

Despite the warm reception from the crowd, she said her return to the catwalk was a one-off. “For me it was like a Sunday,” she said batting her eyelids. “This is not my job anymore.” -Max Colchester

Enviro-Couture

Vancouver-based Barbara Gregusova would have made a splash at this year's ABC party with her foil couture. Go to her website (the title is a link!) to see other great designs, including a dress made out of curled newspaper which she displayed at Toronto's Enviro-Couture event this summer, and also great costumes from a stage production of Charlotte's Web.