It was almost entirely inspired by Amy Winehouse, which we know, was a source of fashion inspiration for many designers and brands (remember her collection for Fred Perry). Jean Paul Gaultier made this amazing couture soup based on Amy Winehouse’s dechiré style, added some corset and lace to spice things up and served it with a pinch of his usual rock’n’roll. As usual, I selected a handful of models I liked the most, but feel free to check out the entire collection here.

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring 2012 Amy Winehouse Inspired Collection

The exaggerated jewelry pieces add to the general drama of the collection’s individual pieces, the standing models make it look more like a painting than a fashion show. This is something entirely different from all that’s been displayed in the Parisian Haute Couture scene this season, even if it also works around precious skin and retrospectives. Do hit the jump to see more (the entire collection here).

Givenchy Spring 2012 Couture Collection

In a very Chanel style, he also matched the nail polish to the collection’s (blue) spirit, launching what would undoubtedly be Summer 2012 must have nail polish! Of course there was the usual black & white thing, all in Chanel’s classic manner, there was the usual tweed and sequined elegance, but the key word still is blue (oh, and what about those sequined tights? Would you wear them? And the blue-ish nail polish? the entire collection can be seen here)

Chanel Couture Spring 2012 Blue Collection

It’s all in the sparkle, in the snakeskin’s cold and exotic beauty. And we all know someone who really loves snakes and is known to wear Armani on the Red Carpet – yes, that’s right, Angelina Jolie could be the perfect candidate for this exquisite Armani collection! Not to mention the Oscar 2012 nominations which were announced during the very show – to which, believe it or not, a nominee was assisting from the very First Row! (Jessica Chastain) So, what say you – will she wear something from this collection for the Oscars Red Carpet?

Armani Prive Spring 2012 Snake Inspired Couture Collection

Christian Dior Spring 2012 Couture collection is taking a trip down memory lane with designs reminding some of the house’s most memorable styles (or should I say Galliano’s most memorable styles); only with sheer updates and contemporary style annotations. How do you like it? (I think it’s a bit too austere for me, especially after Atelier Versace’s edgy glamour) (the entire collection can be seen here)

Christian Dior’s Couture Spring 2012

It’s a glamorous spin on Thierry Mugler’s edgy corseted looks, all in keeping true to Spring’s colors. It’s hard to imagine these looks won’t make it to the Red Carpet as they look celebrity ready, like they were imagined with a certain celebrity in mind. (take for instance the first model in the picture following the jump – I can’t stop seeing Uma Thurman in that! can you celeb – match the rest? The entire collection can be seen here)

Atelier Versace Spring 2012 Couture

I don’t mind, I love it anyway – especially loved the Mohawk braid? It’s something I haven’t tried yet – that could also work perfectly with twisted buns all the way down (or up, depending on where you start the Mohawk). So what’ll be? Twist or Braid? (the lovely Aline Weber was photographed by Giampaolo Sgura, styled by Geraldine Saglio and hairstyled by James Pecis)

2012 Hair Must: Braids

Truth is, I’m so alienated by men’s latest fashions, I rather stay away from it. For style integrity reasons. Prada’s fashion show, however, was different. You had to stick till the end to catch the good part, get over the frowns and the severe faces parading up and down in a very German cadence on a strange, strange mix and get to the best part: ending the show were some very interesting faces, to say the least! Adrien Brody, the great Gary Oldman, the amazing Tim Roth and the majestic Willem Dafoe put their model suits on and took the crowd to a level of frenzy never attained before (in this show, at least). Too bad about the chewing gum, though! Now, do feel free to watch the show after the jump and taste the excitement! (oh, I almost forgot about Emile Hirsh and Jamie Bell who were also in the show)

Prada’s Men Fall 2012 Catwalk Adrien Brody, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, Willem Dafoe

2012 Fall’s silhouette: 1940’s silhouette (secondary Men Military, belted baby doll dresses). 2012 Fall’s colors: yellow, military green, soft gray (secondary: black, beige, soft pink, dark blue, brown) 2012 Fall’s must wear: fur. It’s an overall retro filled fall, so go stock while on sales, 2012 fall is practically one season away! (wink)

Fall 2012 Trends. Louis Vuitton Pre Fall 2012 Collection

So I pulled myself together, did some research and this was my conclusion: Ombre is the new must! Anything you have is better in ombre! New fabulous hairdo? Biensur, it’s ombre! New gorgeous dress? Of course, it’s ombre! The curtains you found and stole your heart? Ombre aussi! The new must try cake? You guessed it right – ombre toujours!

So my daahlings, we have to ombre! Now let’s hit the jump for a closer inspection of Gradient nails! And anything else gradient!

I’m beginning to understand now – so gradient manicure can be obtain by either sponge or drop technique. What is which? Basically, you start by doing the same thing for both: applying your first coat. Which can be either mat color or your usual French base, it’s really up to you. Now, after it dries up, you can choose between the sponge or the other.

For the sponge – you can use your kitchen sponge if you have no makeup sponge at hand – damp it with a radically different (or not so much) color than what you already have put on your nail and tap lightly the tips of your nails (you can go as further up your nail as you wish). Let it dry, clean your fingers with nail polish remover if you’ve touched them with the colored sponge and now, for ze final touch – a heavy load of transparent top coat to seal the Gradient deal. Tadaaaam!

For ze other ombre thing – it’s a bit trickier than the sponge technique. I think: so after you dried out your color base, it’s time to drop a heavy load of clear top coat onto your nail. Know that you’ll be doing one nail at the time, so don’t hurry into emptying all the clear top coat bottle. So now that you poured a ton of clear coat on your nail, pick the other color you want to work for the gradient (usually a darker, very contrasting hue to what you chose as base). Drop a few drops on the clear coat (which hasn’t dried yet – that is essential and the very reason you’re doing one nail at the time!). Now it should work into the clear polish like watercolors when you were a child. Remember? Let it dry, that’s all it takes (now you can try a second nail if you don’t find it too difficult).

I don’t know about you, but Ima keep my French on, if you don’t mind! All that sponge / heavy drop thing has me head all spinning! I’m a simple girl and I like simple things. Nails. Well. You get it. Don’t you? (this short investigation wouldn’t have been possible without help from: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)

Ombre (Gradient) Nails, The New It Manicure