Fall 2012's Haute Couture Collection was, for several houses, a momentous week of firsts. After saying goodbye to Jil Sander this past spring, Raf Simons debuted his first-ever couture collection for Christian Dior. Showing a collection that was deemed unique and unlike anything previously shown at Dior, Simons managed another first, while in the process changing the face of couture forever.
Another first came from Donatella Versace, who showed her collection at the Ritz for the first time, an emotional and significant venue for the house and designer as it was previously used by her deceased brother, Gianni, for over eight years. One of the most noted collections at Couture week was Valentino, headed by Chiuri and Piccioli, who managed to produce a collection that broke off from the traditional designs and colors that had originally stifled and stiffened the house's image and natural progress. As expected, these many firsts produced some of the most magnificent gowns to date. Here are the 18 most gorgeous and jaw-dropping gowns seen in Paris at this year's Fall 2012 Haute Couture Week.
The 18 Most Gorgeous Gowns Seen at Paris Haute Couture Week
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Alex Mabille
While most critics were none too pleased with Mabille's Fall Couture collection as a whole, a few winners were singled out including this stunning body-hugging black dress that featured sexy lace appliques and mysterious bat-wing sleeves.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Christian Dior
Raf Simons debuted his first Haute Couture Collection for Christian Dior to a huge fashion crowd including Marc Jacobs, DVF, Donatella Versace, and Alber Elbaz. Like his opulent show which featured thousands upon thousands of flowers, his collection was magnificent and unlike anything ever shown. This stunning pink number was a crowd favorite as it showed off a classic Dior silhouette.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Christian Dior
Beyond luxe, Simons displayed a royal blue fur gown that appeared to have been made for the likes of royalty.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Christian Dior
Another gorgeous Dior number, this time in the form of a dramatic midnight blue ball gown with a sheer fitted black top.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Chanel
Deemed "New Vintage" by Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's Fall Haute Couture 2012 line was filled with the most decadent glamour from head to hosiery which included sparkling metallic tights. Anja Rubik showed off one of the night's most riveting looks which looked both futuristic and retro, a combination that worked fluidly into exquisite eveningwear.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Chanel
Lindsey Wixson closed the Chanel show in the most dramatic wedding gown to date which featured a huge feather skirt. Extravagant as always, the Chanel finale showed the fashion world its definition of killer couture bride.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Elie Saab
The fashion godfather of the celebrity red carpet, Elie Saab showed one of his prettiest and lightest collections to date. Using an abundance of delicate fabrics such as Chantilly lace and silk jacquards that looked gold leafed, Saab showcased soft shades of pink blue and gold. One of the night's prettiest numbers included this gorgeous gown that looked straight out of a fairy tale.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Elie Saab
Saab shows his talent for extravagant embellishments on this dress modeled by fashion's darling, Karlie Kloss, who also happened to open the show.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Giambattista Valli
Giambattista Valli employed bucolic prints to play up the house's over-the-top ruffles. Layers upon layers of organza ruffles felt surreal, dream-like, but more importantly, haute couture.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Giambattista Valli
While most of the looks from Valli's collection featured volume times more volume, a few gowns showed off the house's more sensual side. This forest green gown belted with gold leaves felt magical and dream-like.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Georges Chakra
Georges Chakra showed off his eveningwear chops with his Fall 2012 Haute Couture collection that was filled with exquisite gowns and over-the-top frocks. One of Chakra's favored hues of the night included a deep crimson red, as seen on this decadent gown.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Georges Chakra
Another stunning embellished gown from Georges Chakra's Haute Couture Collection. Sequins, tulle, and organza done in majestic black and purple makes for a seductive evening gown that can easily be seen on the likes of Anne Hathaway and Nina Dobrev.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Givenchy
Inspired by gypsies of Southern Italy, Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci presented a Fall 2012 collection of intricate beading and detailing. The collection focused on structured shapes in earthy tones of chestnut, ocre, terracotta, and rosy red. Additionally, Tisci kept the collection thoroughly modern with sweeping capes.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Givenchy
Givenchy's Haute Couture collection showcased luxurious pieces that, while streamlined, felt decadent and regal. Monochrome separates in natural tones like this number kept the looks elegant and sophisticated.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Zuhair Murad
Jaw-dropping eveningwear was seen at Zuhair Murad's Fall 2012 Haute Couture Collection. Embellishments abound, amid heavenly fabrics, including organza and lace. Murad presented exquisite gowns such as this royal blue dress encrusted with jewels and brilliant stones.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Zuhair Murad
While Murad's talent heavily lies on embellishments and luxurious fabrics, for this collection he also showed off gorgeous and lively prints like this stunning evening gown that was enhanced in beauty by the fluidity and movement of the gown's silhouette.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Atelier Versace
Donatella Versace kicked off Fall 2012 Haute Couture Week with a bang, displaying show-stopping gowns meant for Hollywood bombshells like Jennifer Lopez and Sophia Vergara. Most of the gowns felt very Versace, with hip-high slits, pastel chain mail, and a silhouette meant for svelte figures that tightened at the waist while cupping the breast. Karlie Kloss showed off one of the collection's biggest and most seductive numbers, a beaded evening gown that revealed more than just a hint of skin with nude chiffon fabric.
Photo: IMAXtree
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Valentino
For their Fall 2012 Haute Couture collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli showed off a darker and more mysterious side to the Valentino woman. Explained by Piccioli as "sensual but severe," the collection felt decadent, romantic, but more importantly, moody. Full length lace and chiffon dresses were adorned with jewel-encrusted capes that felt both lush and sober. Dark colors, especially the midnight blue, gave the clothes a sense of introversion that was different from anything seen in the past.
Photo: IMAXtree
