When trying to encourage us in dance class, my instructor used to ask for 'goosebumps' where our moves were so flawless and beautiful, they gave him chills. If there was a fashion equivalent, Michelle Obama in red Alexander McQueen would be it.



Designed by Sarah Burton, the floor-length red-petal print silk organza dress from the Resort 2011 collection is stunning enough on its own. The deep red hue and full skirted bottom brings drama, which is in turn tempered by the romantic red-petal print. Perfection.



Add to that the breathlessly beautiful Michelle Obama with her perfect arms (highlighted by the off-shoulder neckline), her radiant skin and her elegant updo (that shows off her gorgeously long neck)...and you have one of the first great red carpet moments of 2011!



As always, Mrs. Obama's regal looks are as glamorous as they are smart. The red symbolizes 'Good Luck' in Chinese culture. The perfect dress in which to attend the China State Dinner, wouldn't you say?



What did you think of Michelle Obama's brilliant fashion moment? Obvs, I think it's a total Glam Slam!

Kisses,



Coutura

  

  

Alexander McQueen presented the most-anticipated show of Paris Fashion Week this season since it marks Creative Director Sarah Burton's first collection for the brand.



Burton warned that she wouldn't indulge in the kind of theatrics Lee McQueen is known for like bird headpieces and armadillo heels. "That was very much Lee's territory - the spectacular show," Burton told WWD. "I can't try and pretend to be Lee." Still, her initial offering was creative and dramatic enough to please the late designer who took his own life in February.



Skirts constructed from hair, dresses with feathered flourishes, gowns with digital prints, tops with sheer floral embroidery that erupt in voluminous skirts and jackets adorned with butterflies fluttering up the neckline made their way down the runway, which itself was constructed of wood planks with grass poking through.

Inspired by nature, which was a recurrent theme in Alexander McQueen's past collections, Burton's line was as artful, intricate and awe-inspiring as you'd expect from the Fashion house.



There was one element missing, however: the darkness that permeated McQueen's collections up to his death, starting perhaps with the Spring 2008 collection he designed for his late mentor, Isabella Blow. Burton remarked that by contrast, she is lighter and more feminine in her designs, characteristics that materialized in her choice of color (white and gold) and silhouette (fluid and romantic skirts).



As for beauty, the models' hair resembled basket-weaving in a complicated style that separates into two braids. The hair summed up what the collection represented to me; from far away, it looks romantic and soft but up close, you see the intricacy and creative vision is still there.

I think Lee McQueen would be proud; what do you think of Sarah Burton's first collection for Alexander McQueen?

Kisses,





Coutura