British Vogue

I do miss hearing the monthly thud of Vogue on my doorstep, but all is not lost.  I took these from an issue a few months back and forgot I had them.  Well, today being one of those days I could happily spend perusing the pages of magazines it was a very happy discovery and something of a substitute, minus the feel of glossy paper and the smell of fashion ink (which is distinctly different from other ink).  I think I’m a little bit in love with Karlie Kloss, her face, and the way she poses, I can’t think of another model who works their body to quite the same effect.  So Miss Kloss, couture, and some way to being covered up… stellar!

NB: I’m bringing back public school ways of saying something is wondrous, so get ready for a lot of ‘top notch’ ’smashing’ ‘exemplary’ ‘jolly good’…

Fall 2009

Two stunning jumpsuits from this seasons couture collections, both very different, both very beautiful!

(images: style.com)

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Up close

Bringing the Drama

Dior’s intimate venue was where the modesty ended, beautiful sculpted corsets, satin underwear and elaborate skirts were unashamedly hot. More modest, but just as dramatic was Givenchy’s collection. With heavy Middle Eastern influence and striking cuts a slick canvas was created for the gold trims and jeweled adornments. For a closer look see my previous feature on Givenchy’s couture collection

So Fresh and so Clean

With the same richness of fabric and attention to detail but without the fuss, Elie Saab and Armani Prive had beautiful looks and sleek cuts. Armani Prive has that classic chic down to a fine art and this collection was no exception. The textures were magnificent, as they were at Elie Saab. Infact at Elie Saab the textures and silhouettes were what counted as the line was completely devoid of colour. But this icy white collection was not short on impact.

Full Volume- Maxi skirts had more oomph at designers like Dior and Valentino.

Bonnets- Lacroix and Jean Paul Gaultier both hit a trend with hijab friendly bonnets.

Velvet- Sumptuous fabrics were key, velvet made a sophisticated come back from Armani Prive to Givenchy

Bold Embellishments- Florals at Elie Saab, Embroidery at Lacroix and Chanel, and oversized jewel studs at Givenchy the bigger the better!

Drape- Delicate headscarves and sheer veils rocked runways, and for exaggerated folds see Dior’s maxi skirts.

Rich Colours- Blue and black together are dramatic but modest, choose from royal, navy and electric blues. Or try black and white for a crisper look, Armani Prive put monochrome to test with a smart and beautiful collection. And with Elie Saab’s snowy line you can indulge in a white winter.

(images:style.com)

Future Couture

The Main

After whetting your appetite with a Gaultier ‘Modest Maxi Dress Moment’ and again with the ‘Couture Collections’ here’s the main event. I’m having trouble deciding who’s couture collection I love most after doing this post. There was so much to look at with Gaultier, so many details, textures and colours not to mention a huge variety of styles. From re-worked sailor to sci-fi gowns it could well have been ‘The Fifth Element meets Bugsy Malone 2009′ and that’s no bad thing.

Highlights

Dungarees- Please let them make a comeback, forget worker denim, lets have some sequined glamour. Perfect for modest dressing, I’m thinking layers.

Floor length jackets- easily worn as an abaya or over an outfit these jackets were the perfect statement.

Black Velvet- Understated opulence, if there could be such a thing, a sleek choice for maxi dresses.

Quirky Tailoring- Sharp shoulders and sculpted details the perfect addition to be dressed up or down.

(images:style.com)

Autumn 2009

Dressing, the Balance

In terms of modesty designers were at extremes, with elaborate full maxi skirts, pinched wasp waists and more than a peek of underwear, Christian Dior headed the sexier side of the spectrum. But with soft draping, loose silhouettes and long lengths Alexis Mabille brought back the balance with a simple collection. I have to admit by favourite collection, Valentino, was edging further towards the Dior camp, but there were beautiful details and stunning textures to take inspiration from.

Valentino

Valentino totally took my breath away, and the more I looked at the collection the more I realised that these were modest designs posing as something a little more raunchy. The sheer black was layered with flesh tones that gave the impression of showing through, but actually they hid a lot more than they gave away. There were modest shift shape tunics and full volume skirts. I’m not suggesting that we all go for the corseted sheer looks, but layering sheer fabrics could be wonderful.

Alexis Mabille

Definitely the most Muslimah friendly couture collection there were abaya like shapes and hooded tunics. The maxi dresses and evening gowns were definite highlights, but the tailoring also shared the spotlight. Not the most creatively exciting or technically beautiful his collection seemed unfinished, some looks missed the mark, while others were stunning.

(images:style.com)

Fall 2009 Couture

Sci-Fi Fantasy

I’m surprised I haven’t done more features on Jean Paul Gaultier. He’s long since been one of my favourite designers (every since watching the Fifth Element). Actually his fall couture collection did have some resonance of Fifth Element about it. This maxi dress, part jacket- part gown is beautiful and fluid. I love the softness in the layers of chiffon, especially against the hard structured belt. Awesome!

Couture Fall 2009

And Another…

This week I’ve combined these two stunning dresses into one hijab friendly outfit. I absolutely loved Valentino’s couture collection, and I’ll be doing a full couture report next week inshAllah.

Hijab Style

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(inspiration images: style.com)

Luxury Lines

(images: style.com)

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Fall 2009

Trail Blazer

This is a dress that is all about the jacket, I love the super long back and although it wouldn’t exactly be practical especially in Autumn puddles it certainly makes an impact. And let’s face it, this is more of a red carpet gown so you can just get your p.a. to hold it up for you, at least your feet wouldn’t get wet in those lovely booties. I’ll do a full report on Chanel’s couture and r-t-w shows at some point, it’s all gorgeous and very Muslimah friendly too!

The Inspiration

Midnight Meeting

The Givency Couture collection for Spring 09 was full of inspirational ideas for Muslimahs. You’ll see more of that in the next part of the Muslim Bridal Guide but as a little appetizer here’s a stunning example of just what Riccardo Tisci can do with a piece of fabric. The draping is so elegant, it makes me think of a secret midnight wedding. I didn’t have to do much to make it hijab friendly, but it was fun to do!

A Muslim Wedding Dress

(image: style.com)