{runway} Giambattista Valli Fall Couture 2014

While my favorite Couture show usually hails to the wonder that is Elie Saab, there is something similarly attractive about the Giambattista Valli show that was presented in Paris. The ladylike silhouettes, the fanciful details, the elegance and mixture of prints - everything reminded me of a modern-day Grace Kelly wandering the streets and events in Monaco. Which, let's be honest, who wouldn't want to embrace that kind of style power?

images via Style.com

{details} Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2014 RTW

The term "the photo doesn't do it justice" really comes in to play when you discuss runway shows. If you are lucky enough to see the clothing up close, whether backstage or from the front row, you see amazing workmanship that is sometimes jaw dropping. Truly. And then you go online later in the day to see the collection again and it's not even close to that initial feeling you had.  

That is not the case with the Dolce & Gabbana Fall Collection.  The images are breathtaking and even behind the camera lens, you can see there are spectacular pieces walking towards you. I cannot fathom what they must have looked like up close and personal, especially that teal leather embroidered/bedazzled jewel-tone glove and clutch combo [heart skips a beat].

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{side by side} pops of coral

left, right

{runway} Band of Outsiders Fall 2014 RTW

photos: Robin West

{runway} Elie Saab 2014 Couture

There's nothing new that I can really say about my pure admiration for Elie Saab.  Collection after collection, he sends works of art down the runway in the form of beading, draping, sheer overlays and luxe fabrics that move in a way, when watching live, leave me completely breathless.  

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{beauty} angelic

This model at the Badgley Mischka show had a strangely calming aura about her.  Talk about "smize"..

{taken behind the scenes at Badgley Mischka Spring 2014 Collection}

photos: Robin West

{runway} details at Badgley Mischka Spring 2014

photos: Robin West

{runway} set the stage

 

Moments before the Badgley Mischka show starts.

photo: Robin West

{runway} Edun Spring 2014 Collection - NYFW

Ok. So I know I said I wouldn't go too deep into 'reviewing' these collections, but I just can't help myself.  And also, that was before I experienced Edun's Spring 2014 Collection created by the uber-talented Danielle Sherman.  This was the first collection by the designer who took over the brand that was started by Bono [who yes, was sitting front + center being the rockstar that he is].

One thing about fashion shows is the photos don't do most of them justice. Do you see the subtle leather in these outfits? Because that weaving, my friends, is done with insanely beautiful leather. And how many times can you say these words - everything is wearable. It was truly one of those rare occurrences that everything is beautiful enough for editorial, while being classic enough for wearability. Minus Birkenstocks, I can't condone that kind of foot decor quite frankly.

If this is what we have to look forward to with her as head of this brand, this will become one of the most covetable shows each season.  Guaranteed.  

photos: Robin West