A-Z of Couture Spring/Summer 2014

A is for... Artisinal
This was the name of the collection at Maison Martin Margiela which celebrated handcrafting and finding preciousness in the overlooked. Wallpaper-type prints were patchworked together, old fabrics and garments were reworked, creating new from the old.

B is for... Bride
Model, Cara Delevingne, closed the show at Chanel in a stunning sheer, white gown and feathered headdress as Karl Lagerfeld's bride, complete with page boy.

C if for... Confetti

Continuing the bridal theme, Alexis Mabille presented frills and confetti butterflies at his couture show. A bride-to-be's fairytale.

D is for... Diagonal Lines

There were bold stripes everywhere at this season's couture shows. Wear them in every direction.

Top: Oscar Carvallo Bottom: Ulyana Sergeenko

E is for... Elegance

Pure elegance and sophistication was demonstrated across many of the shows. 

Top: Giorgio Armani Prive, Ralph & Russo Bottom: Valentino, Elie Saab

F is for... Floral Fairytale

One of my favourite couture collections this year comes from Elie Saab and his dreamy, fairytale designs in floral embellishments, feminine palette and luxurious fabrics.

G is for... Glow

Extreme hairdresser, Charlie Le Mindu, was inspired by the seapunk and spacepunk movement - a new world where man has not been yet. Extravagant headpieces glowed under neon lights and models were dressed in latex catsuits.

H is for... Hooded

Versace models were dressed in jersey silk dresses with hoods - much like Kylie Minogue's infamous outfit in Can't Get You Out of my Head. 

I is for... Iridescence

Fabrics this season were more luxurious than ever in iridescent shades and silvery tones.

Top: Giorgio Armani Prive Bottom: Versace

J is for... Jewel Encrusted

Opulent jewel embellishment was another lavish theme across many of the shows with panelling at Alexandre Vauthier, embellished jackets at Bouchra Jarrar, beads, buttons and chains at Margiela and tattoos at Versace.

K is for... Kerchief

Giorgio Armani Prive's collection, entitled Nomade was inspired by all things Eastern with headscarves, genie pants and embroidered motifs.

L is for... Latex

Viktor & Rolf's latex collection was modelled by cast members of the Duch National Ballet. Blurring the line between skin and clothing, they presented draped, fluid ballet dresses, skater skirts and wrap dresses. The latex was as light as chiffon, transforming a untraditional fabric into a delicate one suitable for couture.

M is for... Modern Technology

Hussein Chalayan brings modern technology to the house of Vionnet with winding electrical wires around waists and necks.

N is for... Newcomer

New to the couture scene is Bouchra Jarrar, becoming the first woman grand couturiere in thirty years! Her collection featured tailored trousers, embellished jackets and feathers.

O is for... Opera

The theme for Valentino this season was Opera. Every dress embodied a character from an Opera in a magical, woodland themed, imaginary world. Snakes and birds wound around short ballerina dresses whilst lace robes and cashmere coats featured butterflies and flowers. The opening outfit introduced the theme with a tulle dress decorated in musical notes.

P is for... Pop of Colour

Giambattista Valli was bright, fun and bold in colour.

Q is for... Queen Bee

This season celebrates the womanly figure with hourglass silhouettes seen at Ralph & Russo, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Stephane Rolland.

R is for... Ruffles

Ruffles, frills, flounces, whatever you want to call them, they were everywhere.

Top: Stephane Rolland, Oscar Carvallo Bottom: Alexandre Vauthier, Jean Paul Gaultier

S is for... Sporty

Sportswear is a big theme this season with Chanel leading the way and Dior featuring some trainers.

Top: Chanel Bottom: Chanel, Christian Dior

T is for... Theatrical

Theatrical shows from Jean Paul Gaultier featuring Dita Von Teese, and Schiaperelli. Would you expect any less?

U is for... Underwear

Bra top detailing is a big hit this season.

V is for... Vivid Prints

Prints were graphic and bold at Schiaperelli and Margiela.

W is for... Windsurf

This was the theme at Alexandre Vauthier with beachy attitude and ambient music.

X is for... X-ray

See through clothes in sheer fabrics were popular amongst many designers.

Top: Chanel, Elie Saab Bottom: Stephane Rolland, Valentino

Y is for... Yellow

Stephane Rolland's show was bright and summery in yellow.

Z is for... Ziad Ghanem

Ziad Ghanem's collection features plus sized models and took inspiration from Disney villains. The silhouettes were dramatic, bold and majestic. His styles are available in sizes 8-24.