Show Notes: “Spring 2012 is all about bold saturated colors with a sporty athletic edge.  With women more into fitness and healthy lifestyles, I compliment their physique using intricate seaming to outline the body.  The use of color blocking and accents of leather add an unexpected edge.  Evening is all about sexy silhouettes, open backs, cut-outs with lace inserts, and graphic prints infused with cadmium yellow and cobalt blue”

Monique Lhuillier presented her stunning Spring 2012 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 10th.  Seated front row was Julianne Hough, Rose McGowan, Mary Moore and LeeAnn Rimes with her husband Eddie Cibrian.

The collection was an interesting mix of strong harnessed sportswear separates followed by elegant ball gowns.  The color blocked dresses shaped to a slim silhouette were sexy and yet had an athletic nod to them.  The show opened with a cyan blue strapless corset seamed cocktail dress and set the tone for much of the show.  The color palette was strong tones of cobalt blue, yellows, red, magenta and painted strokes of black and white. There were black lace overlay panels that added that little touch of intrinsic detailing to the looks.

Some standout looks were typical of Monique Lhuillier’s feminine aesthetic.  The faille strapless draped carbon tulle ball gown could walk any red carpet and stop the paparazzi in their tracks.  The last look also stopped traffic when Lhuillier presented an ink faille strapless tufted ball gown that looked water-color swirled with gorgeous ruching around the waist shown above on the right.

Hair: Odile Gilbert for Kerastase

Makeup: Val Garland for MAC Cosmetics

Nails: CND

Photos: Style.com

Monday, February 15th, I attended the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2010 fashion show held in the Promenade tent.  Monique was introduced to the world of glamour and fashion at a young age when her family traveled extensively. She left home at age 15 to pursue her dream of working in the world of fashion. She is best known for her bridal and evening wear but this season opened with jacquard, lacquered matelassé and wool crepe short dresses and skirts. Crimson reds, dragon printed jacquards and velvet gave the collection a feminine edge

There was a refined business power suit made of black and white tweed with frayed tulle detail.  She also showed a beautiful Crimson jacquard strapless dress with a gold leather chain bolero.  This look was simple and yet exuded elegance.

As the show progressed the hemlines dropped to floor length.  Her soldier effect transitioned to soft and flowing gowns.  There were one shoulder chiffon gowns, asymmetrically draped gowns and a stunning form fitting black sequin long sleeve cheongsam column gown that would be appropriate for both young and old.

The final look was a Shanghai red duchesse draped gown with a floral skirt. The shoes were Bruno Frisoni and jewelry was designed by Tony Duquette sold in Saks Fifth Avenue.

This CFDA designer showed us what she does best:  High Drama.

PHOTOS:  WWD