I’m back in New York after an exciting couple weeks in Paris – business meetings, a few Men’s shows, fabulous parties, and, of course, the Haute Couture. This week I’ll be sharing more of my most memorable moments from the trip – including video diaries. Let’s start with my five favorite looks from the Haute Couture collections…

Givenchy

Riccardo Tisci has definitely captured the contemporary couture look at Givenchy. While I’m not a big fan of shorts – which seem to be a trend now, even in the Haute Couture – I really like this look. It can work for day or night. The peach feathered bolero is so much fun – yet the overall looks is cool and Parisian chic. Perhaps he’s trying to appeal to a younger crowd – but I would wear this one for sure – I like a little flair.

Chanel

The dresses at Chanel were just so beautiful. You can’t really see the workmanship that goes into these pieces from the photos. I was lucky to be up close – but even at the show you don’t have the opportunity to examine each stitch. Backstage you can get a good look – and these were breathtaking. This look is so chic – I love the cape, the beading, the jewels, the colors – so feminine and light. I think I would feel like a princess in this. I love short looks – probably more than gowns – they’re so modern, even for black tie. This dress could take me anywhere for some swish event.

Armani Privé

This Armani Privé dress is – quite simply – a red carpet stunner. The sculpted silhouette, the shimmering fabric – gorgeous.

Stéphane Rolland

Stéphane Rolland is not really known in the States – it’s too bad, because I think he really understands couture. This coal-colored dress is so elegant – simple but sexy – not too much frou frou or extreme like his plastic-embellished dresses that I really didn’t care for. This one is outstanding.

Dior

Dior is over-the-top – and their Haute Couture shows are just that on purpose. Some say, ‘Oh but these clothes are so unwearable…’. Sometimes I think it’s okay just to have a spectacle. Having said that, if I were to choose one piece from the collection, I think it would be this dress. Slim beautiful satin details – very glamorous – I would need a party to wear this one out – maybe Cannes?

Over all, the Haute Couture is a very special experience – all the work, the details, the theater of the shows – so chic. For someone who loves and appreciates fashion the way I do, it can be hard to go back to prêt-à-porter after this. Haute Couture is where it all started – and I hope it never dies.

images via style.com