Doll's Eye View: Fall/Winter '14 Paris Couture

A study in stripes, Isabella wears a dress inspired by Zuhair Murad

Simplicity seams to be the norm when it comes to current Paris Haute Couture trends. Think of it as "cleansing the palette" from all the bling-bling that littered the catwalks a decade ago. That said, I still feel that couture, by its nature, should be something really special. You know, clothes that make you feel like a princess or a queen!

The Versace dress in the middle can be interpreted in numerous ways.

For this, the Fall/Winter Haute Couture collections, there were quite a few grand looks that remind me of the "good ole days" of yesteryear. Sumptuous ballgowns with dramatic drapery and intricate embellishments.

Moreover, much of what I saw easily translates into incredibly gorgeous clothes your doll will die to wear. Though I have demonstrated how to do the foundation with the draped silhouette over, I will soon post a video to help guide you through the process more easily. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy my dolls' picks from the Paris Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2014 trends.

Indian Summer Days

 Okay, it does look like Spring. And we can get started with these dresses while the weather is still warm. I love the throw-back silhouette to the 1950's with this trio of dresses by Giambattista Valli. You can achieve a similar look with the flared, princess line dress. 

As we progress into Autumn, these neat and tidy looks is the best way to face cooler temperatures. I like the little touches of fur at the neck and hem, the embellishments on the capes, and the look of brocade for evening suits and coats, whether they're the basic straight coat or the redingote.

At Jean Paul Gaultier, we loved the details that render the classics thoroughly feminine. A great big ruffle around the neck of a black silk wrap coat, fur at the neck and hem of a fishnet covered cape. And a touch of lace peeking out from a slim black velvet gown. I also love the idea of the dip dyed herringbone suit.



Armani rhymes with elegance. A simple cape or jacket gets a feminine touch with the addition of a ruffle. And flocked tulle adds a fairy-tale princess allure to the classic evening gown.

We can always count on Elie Saab for red-carpet glamour. Start with a metallic lace, flared princess line gown then toss a fur boa over her shoulders. The boas here can be made with a rectangle of faux fur held together with a satin ribbon!

An Armani look easily moves from the catwalk onto the doll!

And there's always feathers! A flame red feather boa over a slim silk evening skirt....dolly's ready to paint the town...RED!!!

Many fabric stores now offer a wide variety of faux fur and shaggy fabrics. This is a simple fur coat cut from a white shaggy material.

 

Black and white is a natural choice with dramatic results. We especially like the black and white prints at Valentino and Zuhair Murad. Does the middle dress look familiar? It's quite similar to this one we showed you how to make a few months ago.

 Our absolute favorite collection this season was that of Zuhair Murad. Glamorous, chic, most of what we saw on the runway is easily translated into gorgeous eveningwear for the doll. All of the photos below can attest to that!

 

Gowns of this type begin with a foundation with the fabric draped and stitched on top like the one we featured here.

A similar dress to the one worn by our Lupita, we've cut this one using a devore satin, then cinched in the waist with a silver belt.

This is a basic, strapless dress with a satin ribbon belt. The pouf of lace is stitched to the belt.

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