Runway Report: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Monastic Tsarina Fairytale: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011:

Tsarina Entrance: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

During the Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week several weeks back, along with the usual Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture designers, the House of Valentino ( a Corresponding--i.e. foreign--Member of the Chambre) showed its most recent offering of those rarefied $100,000+ hand-made clothes to editors (Project Runway's Nina Garcia was there in the front row!) bloggers, a Hollywood actress or two (Valentino "muse" Anne Hathaway) and...

Elena Permineva (disguising a slight baby bump), model and wife of Russian Billionaire Alexander Lebedev and Marie Claire Fashion Director Nina Garcia in the background--Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Yes, some of the multi-millionaire clients who might actually buy! House designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli's collection-held at The Hotel Salomon de Rothschild-- had hints of a Fairytale Princess (I believe that had a Tsarina in mind) but also what I noticed from looking at the photos and runway video (below) was also a Monastic tone as well.

Take a Look:

Monastic Couture: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

A Night at The Opera: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

The Cape Coat of The Season: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

A Modern Wedding: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Renaissance Charmeuse: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Can I Order This with a Lining? Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Valentino Red: Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

All in all, another beautiful collection from designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli who have brilliantly transformed the House of Valentino into something modern without abandoning the legacy of the Master.

Click Below for Full Runway Video of Valentino Fall/Winter 2011:

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 3-9 July

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 3-9 July:

1. Leaving Monaco, 3 July.
2. Attending the White Fairy Tale Love Ball, 6 July. I don't mind this Valentino at all, but it usually leaves me thinking that it just needs to be worked a little harder, if you know what I mean.

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 3-9 July

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 3-9 July:

1. Leaving Monaco, 3 July.
2. Attending the White Fairy Tale Love Ball, 6 July. I don't mind this Valentino at all, but it usually leaves me thinking that it just needs to be worked a little harder, if you know what I mean.

The White Fairytale Love Ball

Haute Couture Paris Fall 2011 came to an end with the White Fairytale Love ball closing party. The party was held to raise funds for a charity supported by Natalia Vodianova 'Naked Heart Foundation' a childrens charity. It was hosted at Valentino Garavani French castle, where

Natalia Vodianova was the princess in red, newly single and ready to mingle.

Russian Supermodel Natalia Vodianova with Retired Fashion designer Valentino

Model Stella Tennant in Chanel Haute Couture

Editor Anna Dello Russo

Ex Vogue Paris Editor Carine Roitfeld with W Magazine editor Stefano Tonchi

Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci with Muse

Olivia Palermo in metallic

Valentino designers Maria grazia chiuri & Pier paolo Piccioli

Designer Margherita Missioni

Julia Restoin Roitfeld

Model Elena Perminova

Daphne Guiness

Christian Louboutin

Stylist Carolina Sieber in Louis Vuitton

Anna Hathway spotted in Valentino

Images sourced from fashion.telegraph

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 19-25 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 19-25 June:

1. At a dinner for the United Nations Foundation Board of Directors, 20 June, a) on Mette-Marit and b) from Valentino.
2. At an event related to the "Til topps" event, 24 June. "Til topps" is an event in which people climb to the top of Norway's highest mountain, and this is just right. Precisely what a von Trapp would have worn.
3. Participating in the "Til topps" event, 25 June. A little family walk to the top of Norway! Well, that's kind of adorable.

Look who else showed up for the UN dinner:

Absolutely love that white on Rania, but I think Sonja might win my prize for this mini-gathering of royals. Surprisingly chic, that simple dress and the scarf thrown just so, no?

Photo: AP/Style.com/side2

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 19-25 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 19-25 June:

1. At a dinner for the United Nations Foundation Board of Directors, 20 June, a) on Mette-Marit and b) from Valentino.
2. At an event related to the "Til topps" event, 24 June. "Til topps" is an event in which people climb to the top of Norway's highest mountain, and this is just right. Precisely what a von Trapp would have worn.
3. Participating in the "Til topps" event, 25 June. A little family walk to the top of Norway! Well, that's kind of adorable.

Look who else showed up for the UN dinner:

Absolutely love that white on Rania, but I think Sonja might win my prize for this mini-gathering of royals. Surprisingly chic, that simple dress and the scarf thrown just so, no?

Photo: AP/Style.com/side2

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 12-18 June

Here's what Máxima wore from 12-18 June:

1. Meeting with the President of Mexico during a trip as part of her role as UN ambassador for inclusive finance, in the Valentino she's worn before. I love that she brought a little something special - Valentino, not same old Natan - for a presidential meeting.
2. Attending a mass to mark the retirement of the Bishop of the diocese of Rotterdam, 18 June. You put a veil on it, you're good to go. That's the rule, I'm pretty sure.

Photos: PPE/Buys

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 12-18 June

Here's what Máxima wore from 12-18 June:

1. Meeting with the President of Mexico during a trip as part of her role as UN ambassador for inclusive finance, in the Valentino she's worn before. I love that she brought a little something special - Valentino, not same old Natan - for a presidential meeting.
2. Attending a mass to mark the retirement of the Bishop of the diocese of Rotterdam, 18 June. You put a veil on it, you're good to go. That's the rule, I'm pretty sure.

Photos: PPE/Buys

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 5-11 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 5-11 June:

1. Opening the Nansen conference on climate change, 6 June. Interesting that the red from the last time she wore this was an added belt.
2. Beginning a trip to New York City to attend the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AIDS with a Youth Summit in New York, 7 June. Love the Valentino shoes and Hèrmes bag.
3. Meeting author Johan Harstad in New York, 7 June.
4. Still in NYC, 8 June. The blazer probably makes this my worst of the week, though I'm all for the Valentino shoes.
5. Last day in New York, 9 June, a) on Mette-Marit and b) from Valentino. Whitewhitewhite this week - and I think I might like it? What's wrong with me? I definitely like this last one. Super cute.

Photos: side2/Style.com/Newscom

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 5-11 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 5-11 June:

1. Opening the Nansen conference on climate change, 6 June. Interesting that the red from the last time she wore this was an added belt.
2. Beginning a trip to New York City to attend the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AIDS with a Youth Summit in New York, 7 June. Love the Valentino shoes and Hèrmes bag.
3. Meeting author Johan Harstad in New York, 7 June.
4. Still in NYC, 8 June. The blazer probably makes this my worst of the week, though I'm all for the Valentino shoes.
5. Last day in New York, 9 June, a) on Mette-Marit and b) from Valentino. Whitewhitewhite this week - and I think I might like it? What's wrong with me? I definitely like this last one. Super cute.

Photos: side2/Style.com/Newscom

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Máxima wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. Attending a conference on "Impact Investing", 30 May, a) on Máxima and b) from Natan. Oops, somebody shrunk their jacket in the wash! Oh, it's supposed to be that way? That's unfortunate.
2. Opening the Present Foundation, 31 May.
3. At a concert commemorating the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan, 31 May, a) on Máxima and b) from Valentino. You see how her arms strategically cover that belt? That's the only smart thing about this outfit. (And speaking of laundry mishaps: this thing is a hot wrinkly mess!)
4. At a school in Rotterdam, 1 June. Okay. Whew. We're ending the week on a much better Máxima note. Every time she wears this, I think, "Only on Máxima!"

Photos: Svenskdam/PPE/Style.com/Marcio Madeira

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Máxima wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. Attending a conference on "Impact Investing", 30 May, a) on Máxima and b) from Natan. Oops, somebody shrunk their jacket in the wash! Oh, it's supposed to be that way? That's unfortunate.
2. Opening the Present Foundation, 31 May.
3. At a concert commemorating the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan, 31 May, a) on Máxima and b) from Valentino. You see how her arms strategically cover that belt? That's the only smart thing about this outfit. (And speaking of laundry mishaps: this thing is a hot wrinkly mess!)
4. At a school in Rotterdam, 1 June. Okay. Whew. We're ending the week on a much better Máxima note. Every time she wears this, I think, "Only on Máxima!"

Photos: Svenskdam/PPE/Style.com/Marcio Madeira

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. At the welcome ceremony for the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg's state visit, 30 May, a) on Mette-Marit, and b) the dress from the Valentino runway. What's with the coat? Looks like she borrowed one from her husband at the last minute and tossed it on over her (otherwise) feminine ensemble.
2. Gala dinner, 30 May. Danger: sash conflicts ahead.
3. Day 2 of the state visit, 31 May. 
4. Reception on Day 2 of the state visit. I like this! No, scratch that: I like the idea of this. I like the idea of a big skirt with a big print and a cardigan on top. But I think you've got to have a few things in order before you can pull it off: 1) a snugly fit cardi that doesn't involve a bow across your boobs; 2) a skirt/dress underneath that's not a one-shouldered affair (that's what this looks like, doesn't it?); and 3) a fancier hairstyle. You have to fancy something up if you're going to go with an evening cardigan. 

You can see the Grand Duchess's wardrobe from the state visit in her week in review post. For now: more gala gowns!

Märtha Louise: radiant. Astrid: either a great look for her or a repurposed nightie, depending on your perspective. Sonja: ....oh, Sonja.

And JEWELS!

Astrid in the Vasa Tiara, Mette-Marit in her (oh so tiny) wedding tiara, Sonja in the larger version of Queen Maud's Pearl Tiara, and Märtha Louise in King Olav's Gift Tiara. Is it just me, or does that headband-placement of M-M's tiara just not work?

Photos: siste.no/APA PictureDesk/Style.com/Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: Crown Princess Mette-Marit, 29 May - 4 June

Here's what Mette-Marit wore from 29 May - 4 June:

1. At the welcome ceremony for the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Luxembourg's state visit, 30 May, a) on Mette-Marit, and b) the dress from the Valentino runway. What's with the coat? Looks like she borrowed one from her husband at the last minute and tossed it on over her (otherwise) feminine ensemble.
2. Gala dinner, 30 May. Danger: sash conflicts ahead.
3. Day 2 of the state visit, 31 May. 
4. Reception on Day 2 of the state visit. I like this! No, scratch that: I like the idea of this. I like the idea of a big skirt with a big print and a cardigan on top. But I think you've got to have a few things in order before you can pull it off: 1) a snugly fit cardi that doesn't involve a bow across your boobs; 2) a skirt/dress underneath that's not a one-shouldered affair (that's what this looks like, doesn't it?); and 3) a fancier hairstyle. You have to fancy something up if you're going to go with an evening cardigan. 

You can see the Grand Duchess's wardrobe from the state visit in her week in review post. For now: more gala gowns!

Märtha Louise: radiant. Astrid: either a great look for her or a repurposed nightie, depending on your perspective. Sonja: ....oh, Sonja.

And JEWELS!

Astrid in the Vasa Tiara, Mette-Marit in her (oh so tiny) wedding tiara, Sonja in the larger version of Queen Maud's Pearl Tiara, and Märtha Louise in King Olav's Gift Tiara. Is it just me, or does that headband-placement of M-M's tiara just not work?

Photos: siste.no/APA PictureDesk/Style.com/Getty Images/Daylife

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 22-28 May

Here's what Máxima wore from 22-28 May:

1. Celebrating her birthday, 27 May, in Valentino.
2. Out boating with her guests the day after, 28 May, wearing personalized Máxima 40 gear.

Jewels!

A diamond hair piece once belonging to Queen Emma - another piece not often seen (except for a few appearances on Princess Margriet) and rescued by our magpie, bless her.

Photos: PurePeople/Abaca/deteyding.nl/PPE/Nieboer

Week in Review: Princess Máxima, 22-28 May

Here's what Máxima wore from 22-28 May:

1. Celebrating her birthday, 27 May, in Valentino.
2. Out boating with her guests the day after, 28 May, wearing personalized Máxima 40 gear.

Jewels!

A diamond hair piece once belonging to Queen Emma - another piece not often seen (except for a few appearances on Princess Margriet) and rescued by our magpie, bless her.

Photos: PurePeople/Abaca/deteyding.nl/PPE/Nieboer

Week in Review: Crown Princess Pavlos, 22-28 May

Here's what Marie-Chantal wore from 22-28 May:

1. Attending Máxima's 40th birthday concert, 27 May. Look how lovely she looks from the neck up! Seriously, she might be aging in reverse. This is some Benjamin Button business. Makes me even sadder about how bad that Valentino outfit is.

And here's one I missed from last week, attending a funeral in France on 20 May:

I love the detail on the coat - a perfect way to add interest to an all black outfit.

Photos: Isopix/PPE/v.d. Werf

Week in Review: Crown Princess Pavlos, 22-28 May

Here's what Marie-Chantal wore from 22-28 May:

1. Attending Máxima's 40th birthday concert, 27 May. Look how lovely she looks from the neck up! Seriously, she might be aging in reverse. This is some Benjamin Button business. Makes me even sadder about how bad that Valentino outfit is.

And here's one I missed from last week, attending a funeral in France on 20 May:

I love the detail on the coat - a perfect way to add interest to an all black outfit.

Photos: Isopix/PPE/v.d. Werf