Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2012

by David Pedroza, Editor in Chief of Master the Art of Style

Riccardo Tisci has set his mark on the House of Givenchy, a house with a strong heritage and legend. For spring 2012, Tisci brought back familiar pieces from the “Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy Archives“, and has collectively brought his vision that he used in previous collections and most recent (some pieces have motifs from mens collection). Riccardo Tisci sites the movieMetropolis by Fritz Lang, as a source of insperation, but one can see the Art-Deco, 1920′s flapper clad woman.  Nevertheless, Tisci managed to take our breath away, with mind-blowing, haute couture workmanship that has been the main focus of every Givenchy Couture collection. Comprised of 10 looks, and assembled in white, black and brown, each piece has the opulance of Château de Versailles, with the ease of a t-shirt. Gorgeous leather ensembles where made of pieced leather into small squares and then painstakingly sewn on to silk or tulle to composse star motifs and crocodile skins.

Photos by Stephanie Kaufman, contributor to Master the Art of Style, 2012

An atelier premiere easly took 350 hours, plus, to make each creation. Some looks where accessorised with ornate, indonesian jewelry and shoes, which looked more like objects d’ art; one can really appreciate them as works of art. The stand out look was a sling skirt, with immaculate, sequined scales and caviar beaded fringe, paired with a simple tank. Riccardo Tisci has surely proved he is a grand couturier and will continue to inspire us.

Photos by Stephanie Kaufman, contributor to Master the Art of Style, 2012

The Art of Haute Couture: Dior Couture spring 2012

by David Pedroza, Editor in Chief of Master the Art of Style 

Haute Couture has been known as a way for designers to express them selves through experimentation of fashion with an emphases on workmanship. Through the years new ideas have changed fashion and inspired the world, but Haute Couture became a tool for marketing and brand image.The tables have turned, making workmanship and quality as the main focus to drive sales.The workmanship of haute couture was evident, with Bill Gaytten’s second couture outing for the house of Dior. Gaytten analyzed the inner workings of a haute couture garment, and reveled its beauty to the outside surface. Delicate, fine layers of organza and crain or horse hair, created nipped waist day dresses that would make Grace Kelly swoon. Fine, window pane prints, where in fact created by individual sequins sewn by hand.

All Photos by Stephanie Kaufman, contributor to Master the Art of Style, 2012

Small irregular squares where painstakingly applied to organza, by hand, to create a crocodile effect, with out giving up the integrity of softness. There was a lightness and ease to Gaytten’s second couture Collection for Dior, and much of it seemed to be inspired by its founder and his ideal look, the New Look, which was introduced in 1947. Though nostalgic in reference, the collection was fresh and modern. Some pieces where very simple, with a few pleats and top stitching to adorn them, making it it obvious that Haute Couture is no longer a marketing tool, but a craft of making quality clothes for real women to wear every day. The restrain in the color palette makes it easy for a client to imagine her self wearing these creations, leaving the color up to the clients decision. Bill Gaytten did not leave fantasy out of the equation, the end of the show was filled with lavishly frilled and beaded cocktail dresses, and ravishing ball gowns that makes one dream of being a princess.

I got a full set of lashes done, and watched as other clients got both full sets and fill-in lashes. The process was so easy and painless. A full set can take about 40 minutes to an hour to complete, with the fill-ins taking just 10 minutes.

I have been able to do everything comfortably with my lashes, including sleeping and working out. They don’t poke or pull, which I heard can be a problem with other lash extensions done by less experienced professionals. The best part is that I no longer have to put on makeup to look great before I head out the door.

These lash extensions are also versatile. Whatever look you want can be achieved. They can be made to look naturally full, or dramatic like Marilyn Monroe. The results are completely remarkable. Check out Jayne’s feature on the Today Show about lash extensions. She is also offering anyone who mentions this blog $100 off their first full set of lash extensions. So this is the perfect time to try them!

COLOR: Canary Yellow

DESCRIPTION:  Organza and gazaar gown

PRICE:  $5990