10 for 10: Paris Couture Spring 2011

I'll try and to keep this post to as few words as possible, because I can't even begin to describe some of these looks. Here are my favourite looks, make up and accessories from the wonderful world of couture:












It would see there is a new optimism in Paris these few days, these looks are so light and airy - even at Armani with it's futuristic light reflecting materials. This has been one of my favourite couture seasons for awhile, even though Chanel was more subdued than usual I love the silhouette of the long floaty skirt with satin pointy flat shoes. I can't believe I'm starting to favour flats over heels, but such is the power of Karl Lagerfeld

Aymeline Valade

I have been desperate to post about this new face! I'm not sure why I've left it so long but I just had to share, as she has the most captivating look. Aymeline Valade, represented by Women model management and FM Models in London made her major debut at Balenciaga S/S 11:



After her appearance, things got a little quieter but then the Pre Fall collections came out and she only made an appearance for Balenciaga and Alexander Wang. If there were two brands to ever make a models career these are the ones to appear with:

(Balenciaga Pre-Fall & Alexander Wang Pre-Fall)

She has such an intense look, that photographs beautifully. Then she appeared in the first Alexander Wang mainline campaign (shot by Craig McDean)


And today her appearance in Interview Feb/March (again shot by McDean) has been published on models.com:




(models.com)


Aymeline really rocks the tomboy clothes, and doesn't get lost in Karl Templer's exquisite styling. For a new face, she photographs in such a confident self-assured way. I'm so intrigued to see what the next runway season brings for her, whether she will appear everywhere or just walk a select few blue chip runway appearances.

Joan, revisited

It feels like so long since I've been posting regularly, but the last three months I've been wrapped up in my dissertation, but the 10,000 words are done, bound and handed in. I can finally get back to blogging - a month before the A/W 11 shows kick off! I'm lucky enough to be at London Fashion Week again this season, and I'm really hoping to bump into a certain Joan Smalls. I first blogged about her all the way back in April 2010 and I was just thinking how far she has come.

For the S/S 11 campaign season she has both Gucci and Roberto Cavalli:




...and she's rumoured to appear in the (as yet unpublished) Stella McCartney campaign.

My favourite of her recent run of work, however is this editorial:

all images scanned by the wonderful users at TFS.

Shot by Mario Sorrenti it appears in the February issue of Vogue Paris. Joan is such a great mover, and in this editorial she has the presence of a veteran model with her compelling gaze and awareness of how the clothes move. She's one of the most versatile models today.

I can't wait to see the Stella McCartney campaign!