The couture shows in Paris this week were stunning. Most of the drama was in the design, while the makeup was for the most part pretty understated. For me it was all about Versace. Fierce ponytails, bronze smoky eyes, and pale pouts. Head to toe glamour like only Donatella can do.

Images from fashionising.com & style.com

In a sea of sleek, flat, polished hair styles there were still a few shows where volume reigned supreme. The Jackie O/Marilyn Monroe sort of looks at LAMB, and Van Krommenacker are super wearable, as is the Costello Tagliapietra look. For a more dramatic take I love the french twists at JPG. So, a teasing brush and a can of Elnett will be essential.

Images from vogue.co.uk

It’s the season of the side braid. This whimsical look got a 2010 redo at Alexander Wang and Miu Miu. The girls wore their braids slightly dishevelled, thick, and extra long. This is definitely my braid of choice. I’ve tried and tested it already, and got complements! If a sleek version is more your speed, then either the Lacoste or Gaultier look would be more appropriate.

Anyone else loving the one braided ponytail?

The couture shows have just about wrapped up in Paris. As usual there was outstanding make up and hair to go along with the amazing designer creations. Elie Saab’s neutral contouring and braided hair looked like it could be go from the runway to the streets the easiest. Jean Paul Gaultier showed a kaleidoscope of colours on the eye that looked like an abstract painting. Obviously JPG still can’t get enough of the jade nails!  I’m particularly partial to coral lips, so the look at Chanel was a favourite of mine. (I’m thinking about getting a fringe too!) Givenchy’s take on smoky eyes and red lips, with the must have bleached brow was amped up with a dose of glitter. Blue was the colour of choice at Christian Dior and for some of the Valentino girls who wore pastel coloured masks. In about a week we’ll be previewing NY ready to wear-I can’t wait…

The most recent couture shows happened in Paris in July. Although the ready to wear shows are always at the forefront of our minds, couture this season had some very noteworthy looks. The mask look showed up at both Elie Saab and Givenchy. But the blending on the eyes at Givenchy is the real show stopper. Chanel was all about the strong liner, and when compared to their ready to wear show, this look was quite understated. Dior looked fresh and girly with brights on the eyes and lips. Armani Prive gave us a flash back to the 80′s with the strong brow, and Gaultier’s thin brows and dark skinny lips were a modern day version of the 20′s.

Images from style.com