Dita Von Teese cemented her style icon status this week as she took to the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier's couture spectacular. The retro-loving dancer, who has already appeared in adverts for Vivienne Westwood and fronted a Mac cosmetics campaign, was transformed into a Spanish-style Virgin Mary for the religious themed show in Paris.
Porcelain-skinned Dita, who recently split from her rocker husband Marilyn Manson, confidently modelled in front of an audience which included Victoria Beckham and French actress Catherine Deneuve. The collection, inspired by Gaultier's childhood memories of his religious upbringing in a suburb of Paris, featured models' heads wreathed in halos and ecclesiastical imagery.
Brit supermodel Erin O'Connor showed off a stained-glass-window effect gown, while her catwalk colleagues appeared in flowing robes with details of angels and cherubs. "It is simply the image of purity and serenity," said the French designer. "We were looking for a little corner of paradise."
Giorgio Armani's Prive collection might not have been religion-themed, but his front-row crowd certainly reached celestial heights. Oscar nominee Cate Blanchett flew in by private jet from New Orleans, where she is filming with Brad Pitt, for the show and a gala dinner. Asked if she would be wearing Armani on Academy Award night, the actress wasn't giving anything away, however. "I haven't decided yet, but I think everything here is extraordinary," she said.
Katie Holmes, who famously wore Armani for her wedding, also took her place in the front row, as did Bond girl Rosamund Pike and Lady Helen Taylor. The Italian couturier's spring summer collection took his guests on an Indian journey - inspired by the opulence and majesty of the maharajas. Keeping to his palette of hallmark beiges, greys and silver, he used precious stones and silk to create richly crafted pieces accessorised with turbans.
While there was a heavy emphasis on daywear, including plenty of skirt suits, he also produced some spectacular eveningwear including an Oscar-worthy, one-shouldered, embroidered white silk sheath. But when asked if he thought his dresses would make an appearance at the Academy Awards on February 25, Armani couldn't resist joking about the exacting demands of his celebrity clients. He joked that however perfect the gown, the actress always wanted it modified to suit her better.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
