The Chanel Fall 2009 Couture collection had the formula to be a great collection with trademark tailoring, black lace, textured prints, embellishments and a series of boucle suits, but I wasn’t blown away.

In fact I would go as far as to say “me no likey”.

Looking the pictures on Style.com was like being on a roller coaster. One minute I was up the next I was down and in the end I just underwhelmed.

The only pieces I really loved were the nude dresses and that was mostly because they reminded me of Balenciaga’s Fall 2009 dresses with a very similar draping on the hips.

I wasn’t a fan of what I call the “mullet dresses”.

These were long at the back and short at with the front. This style didn’t apply to just dresses, skirt suits also got this unnecessary added piece of material. One navy suit was lined with a blood red train which was quite hideous.

I have no doubt that by the time we see these pieces on the red carpet they’ll be heavily modified to exclude the trains - hopefully.

Most pieces would have been perfect without them like the sequined party pieces.

Credit: Style.com

I was so nervous with excited anticipation as I made my way to the Pavillon Cambon Capucines in Paris yesterday afternoon to see Elie Saab’s Fall 2009 Couture presentation.

Sadly Dita wasn’t in the front row, but there were many Princesses and ladies who lunch dripping in jewels - owned not loaned.

I was in awe of how perfectly groomed they all were wearing Balmain, YSL, Prada and one impeccably dressed woman wore a cobalt blue Victoria Beckham dress.

The Princesses and I were presented with a stunning collection of mostly white gowns which shouldn’t be confused with a bridal collection, because jumpsuits, feathered jackets and 2 piece suits were also presented.

The collection will be known as the “White” collection, but the pieces should be broken down into cream, ivory, magnolia and seashell.

Gowns were asymmetrical, strapless, sleeved, one-sleeved, cut-out at the back, feathered, bejeweled, beaded, embellished with rosettes, tulle and paillettes.

As were the mini dresses which were occasionally paired with white tights.

Shoulders continue to get a lot of love this coming Fall season.

Elie padded, feathered, embellished and super-sized shoulders to appeal to those wishing to channel their inner Alexis Carrington Colby. This trend isn’t going away any time soon as the shoulders seem get bigger every season.

I loved all of the pieces, but I particularly loved the eggshell beaded gown with an elegant draped detail at the back which swayed from left to right as the model walked the runway.

Comparisons to Chanel’s Spring 2009 Couture all white collection are inevitable, despite that collection having many pieces that were black and both black and white.

I was lucky enough to go backstage were I witness the “rock star” that is Elie Saab.

It was easy to forget he was a designer, as people queued to great him and get their picture taken with him like he was Mick Jagger. Everyone wanted 1 minute of his time.

I had the chance to ask him why he had chosen all white for this collection.

Instyle.co.uk has the complete round up of the couture shows.

Credit: Vogue.co.uk

If all goes well and I didn’t miss my train I’ll be in Paris about to take my seat at the Elie Saab Fall 2009 Couture show today.

I’ll be updating twitpic from the show, so you’ll be the first to see Elie Saab’s - no doubt - stunning collection.

I’m hoping Dita will be there. Couture week just hasn’t been the same without her.

John Galliano presented his Christian Dior Fall 2009 couture show from the Christian Dior headquarters salon in Avenue Montaigne in a similar style to what would’ve been used in the 1950s.

I loved the glamorous pieces from this collection, but I wasn’t excited about the way they were presented. It felt like a peekaboo show.

The tulip, sheer, bubble, tiered skirts were presented with cami’s, bras, corsets and bustier’s.

Ballgowns were also presented with bras and corsets.

Peplum jackets, blouses and tops were presented with pantyhose, garters, slips and stockings which means we have to do a mix and match mentally with the pieces which are individually breath-taking.

I was particularly drawn to the pieces with stunning embellishments.

The only thing pieces I didn’t like were the leopard prints and they remind me of a time when Sharon Stone used to wear them religiously.

Lingerie colours like nude, black, and cream were paired with fuschia pinks, bold red, lavender, lime, pink, chartreuse, animal prints, and orange.

Dior clients will of course be able to order jackets with matching skirts, skirts with matching jackets, or request sheer skirts to be lined.

I’m sure when we see these pieces on the red carpet they will be heavily modified.

Dramatic Stephen Jones hats, ladylike bags and fine jewels accessorized these looks.

Credit: Style.com

Finally the pictures of Atelier Versace’s Spring 2009 collection have been released.

Good luck picking your favourite, I love all the gowns.

I’m looking forward to seeing them on the red carpet.

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Elie Saab’s Spring 2009 Haute Couture collection was presented in Paris yesterday.

Elie’s gowns - as we have come to expect - were truly feminine, made of silk, chiffon and adorned with plenty of stunning embellishments.

The pastel tones were heavenly, evoking a dreamy like feeling, which is emphasized by the intricate, outstanding details such as the floral appliqués, and the sparkling embellishments, which were not too over-the-top.

Ruffles, tiers, pouffy shoulders, exaggerated hips, and obi belts all helped create some of the most outstandingly beautiful gorgeous red carpet dresses, he has ever created.

The only downside for me was the hair and make-up.

This collection more than most, has ignited my passion for red carpet gown. Bring on the Oscars.

Cate would so own that black one-shouldered gown, whereas Beyonce, I guess, would go for the heavenly peachy pastels.

Dita Von Teese was in the front row looking tres chic, wearing an all black Elie Saab Fall 2008 ensemble, which consisted of a jacket with a large rosette details on the collar and cuffs, a pencil skirt, Louboutin pumps, and a large bag, which was also detailed with rosettes.

Mischa Barton was also in the front row wearing a sparkling one-sleeved navy Elie Saab Fall 2008 cocktail dress, with Louboutin’s.

Her hair looks a bit disheveled for this dress, and although I am not a fan of one-shouldered anything, this dress works for her.

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The Chanel Spring 2009 Haute Couture collection was a vision in pure white, with the occasional dash of black breaking up the ethereal theme.

The traditional Chanel suit was reworked in new fabrics, with sequins, PVC, appliqué and delicate embroidery taking over from the expected bouclé.

Karl Lagerfeld presented a-lines and square shouldered shapes. Skinny pants, shrinking jackets, cropped sleeves, and fantasy gowns.

The paper rosette headpieces were simply divine, and provided the perfect finishing touch.

The venue was covered in tumbling organza, appliqué flowers and gigantic paper blooms to set the ethereal tone at the Chanel show.

We are not used to seeing a lot of white on the red carpet, so I would be interested in seeing who would wear these pieces.

Olga Kurylenko was back to her breath-taking best wearing a tailored white skirt, and a sleeveless black sweater, with stunning statement necklace. All Chanel of course.

Sporting fresh cut bangs, Keira Knightley - the face of Coco Mademoiselle - was also head to toe in Chanel.

She looks gorgeous wearing a fabulous tweed skirt, a black sweater and studded heels.

Tres Chic.

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