Paris Couture - 1938

Let's get back to our series on Paris couture from the 1930s.  Today, a look at evening gowns from 1938.  Which is your favorite?

Mainbocher uses gold lamé for the bodice of this bias-cut gown.  The matching cape is completely lined in lamé as well.  What an entrance maker!

Callot Soeurs gown in heavy Duchesse satin.  The bodice is red and the skirt is gray.  The waist and shoulders are covered in diamante rhinestones.  Note the corded hem.

Madeleine Vionnet halter gown in black silk velvet accented with red and purple flowers.

Lucien Lelong blue velvet one-shoulder gown with sapphire buttons down the side.

Germaine Lecomte strapless gown in red tulle with red and silver lace insets.

Nina Ricci black and gold velvet.  Note the perfect placement of the gold diamond design.

Marie-Paule black silk taffeta gown with rows of ruffles adorning the skirt.

Paris Couture - 1937

Today, the next in our continuing series about Paris couture in the 1930s.  The year is 1937 and the beauty is in the incredible details.  Which is your favorite?

Marcel Rochas black crepe dress adorned with light blue gathered ribbons.  Note the large holes at the neckline and sleeves that the ribbons thread through.

Charles Worth black velvet dress with intricate embroidery on the bodice.

Rosevienne dress in black knitted lace.  The skin shows through where the slip isn't!

Lucien Lelong black velvet dress with a white Guipure lace bodice.  Bows accent the lace.

Elsa Schiaparelli brings the ultimate in fun details.  The black crepe suit is accented with red embroidery around the pockets in the shape of lips.  And that is her famous shoe hat in black with a red heel.

Paris Couture Evening Gowns - 1936

Today, we'll continue our look at Paris couture from the 1930s with evening gowns from 1936.  Which is your favorite?

Madeleine Vionnet gown with white tulle ruffles.

Maggy Rouff red velvet tunic and skirt.  The tunic is completely smocked.

Elsa Schiaparelli red crepe gown with exclusive print in white.

Jean Patou black crepe with lace yoke and sleeves.

Lucien Lelong midnight blue jersey with gathers at one shoulder.

Window Shopping on Avenue Montaigne, Paris

On my recent trip to Paris, my dear husband indulged me with a stroll down the Avenue Montaigne for some window shopping. Of course, I had to bring you along. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

While the original Chanel flagship store is on Rue Cambon, the large store at 42 Avenue Montaigne is at the epicenter of arguably one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world.

The windows are tastefully decorated for Christmas, but the mannequins are wearing spring designs for 2011.

I fell in love with the Coco dolls in one window. We went inside the store to inquire about them, but they are not for sale. Karl designed them just for the windows of a few stores. I imagine they will be used as gifts for very important clients. Sigh.

Gianfranco Ferre window

Emilio Pucci window

The Christian Dior store occupies just as important a spot as Chanel on the Avenue Montaigne and has equally large and numerous windows.

Dior Haute Couture Cruise 2010/2010

Christian Dior gown completely covered in pearls and beads.

Christian Dior Haute Couture Cruise 2010/2011.

More tomorrow!