Jean-Paul Gaultier's Haute Couture collection for Fall/Winter 2010 was exotic, delightful and magnificent. He said he's not only celebrating the design and art of Mexico but goes beyond it - taking in the cultural influences from the Mayans and the Aztecs as well. I was reminded of Mel Gibson's exciting but historically inaccurate period film Apocalypto.

[ Click on any image to view | Photos from DayLife ]

Reports The Globe and the Mail in which the same sentiment was echoed:

But no one managed to charm this season like Jean Paul Gaultier, who chose a Mexican theme inspired by Mel Gibson's 2007 movie Apocalypto . “This isn't just about Mexico, but everything that came before it – the Mayans and the Aztecs and the Incas,” Gaultier told me backstage. “And there's even some Avatar thrown in!” he laughed.

With that motley mix of influences, he staged the most entertaining show of the week, featuring a mad mélange of vivid colours, basket-weave leather and fringe galore. Former model Inès de la Fressange, a long-time Gaultier devotee, summed it up perfectly: “His clothes can be both wearable and wild,” she said. [ read more ]

Images from the entire collection after the jump!

Twenty two. That's the total number of ensemble piece in the latest Givenchy Haute Couture collection from Italian designer Riccardo Tisci. I don't know if there is something 'magical' about that number, but most of what I see look amazing. This is probably the best Haute Couture show this season.

FWD's Cameron Silver reports:

Who knew the Westin hotel hid the most spectacular imperial ballroom in Paris? The venue was perfect for Riccardo Tisci's latest Givenchy Haute Couture collection. This place wasn't always a Westin--and Givenchy isn't the House of Hubert and Audrey Hepburn anymore, either. Just before the show, I ran into LA's Claudio Conti who told me about the documentary he is currently filming on Peter Marino. I can't wait to see it.

Gilt cherub statues framed the frescoed ceilings, and I could have spent all night staring at the ornate sky. I finally scored a front-row seat but that was a bit by default (long story). It was so dark in the ballroom that I could barely see my seatmates including Gillian Fuller and Lionel Geneste, co-founders of the newly-formed GCK Partners, which deals in retail strategies. Givenchy is definitely the "cool" couture designer, as young Russian-speakers and chic sexy model types typed nonstop on their BlackBerrys while waiting for the show to start. One young bride confessed that she had Tisci make two wedding gowns, since she loves the collection so much. I can see why!

This was totally modern, with great takes on tuxedo jackets mixed with ruffled nude gowns and full-on feathered bermudas. (Shorts are a frontrunner for couture's top trend). I especially dug the tail cutaway jackets and one ensemble in Yves Klein blue. It needs to be at the Grammys this weekend! These looks were followed by malachite and amethsyst gowns. The finale of a degrade purple pom pom gown reminded me that this is not your Mother's Givenchy and its awesome. As I left, I spotted Kanye and Amber heading back stage to congratulate a triumphant Tisci. [ read more ]

Tisci's latest collection for the House of Givenchy after the jump!

BryanBoy described the collection as 'heritage' - comparing John Galliano's 2010-2011 collections as being 'inspired' by Dior's 1949 'Junon' ball gown.

[ Christian Dior - Haute Couture Spring Summer 2010 by John Galliano - Full Fashion Show Part 1 ]

M.I.S.S. gave a more descriptive and detailed critique of the collection and part of that is below:

You know when you sit down to watch a Christian Dior show that John Galliano will not skimp on the theatrics – and this show was no different. His collection had 3 main categories: women’s riding habits (the kind when women rode sidesaddle), day suits and dresses and gorgeous gowns.

The women’s riding habits were very influenced by 19th century looks complete with top hats, veils and riding sticks. I loved the signature New Look jackets – some belted, some with velvet collars – all fitting like a glove. His long skirts had beautiful pleated details – usually on one side – and added a bit of fullness and drama to an otherwise plain skirt. The use of wools and plaids in rich tones of red and grey gave these pieces a very warm feel that evoked the English country side. It was a bit Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, yes, but Galliano went with more of a “pretty” interpretation while Vivienne is known for adding her own to cents to these looks in very unexpected ways that sometimes come off as less pretty and more edgy. [ read more ]

Parts 2 and 3 of the show [ video clips] after the jump + photos!

If we're to refer to the definition of 'Haute Couture', then some of us, fashion viewers and stylistas alike, may disagree with Karl Lagerfeld's latest collection for Chanel, as being 'haute couture'...

Haute couture (French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking") refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. Haute couture is made to order for a specific customer, and it is usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finish, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques. Couture is a common abbreviation of Haute Couture, which refers to the same thing in spirit. [ source: The Wiki ]

Of course, some of us will agree that Karl Legerfeld did an exceptionally fabulous Haute Couture for fashion's latest collection. Whether you agree or not with Lagerfeld's latest rendition for the House of Chanel, this particular show remains one of the season's most anticipated.

ABC News fashion report will tell you what transpired during the show...

Photos and video clips from the Chanel S/S 2010-2011 Haute Couture show after the jump!