The start of the Noughties - despite the crippling economic climate - has seen the resurgence of haute couture both on the runways and in 'real' life. The fabulousness that is the Paris Couture Collections has just happened - and what the bb team has noticed is that the audience is younger and more 'A' List than ever before. Who is rocking high fashion and leaving the High Street behind? Let's take a look with the bb breakdown...
La Petite Française
Clémence Poésy is the most fabulous fashion export out of France since - well, since the last 'It' Girl. Gamine and gorgeous, she is beloved of the couturiers, for her inimitable French chicness and individual sense of style. This former Gossip Girl has the world at her feet - and well-shod feet at that. Currently being lauded for her role in Birdsong, she is a beautiful example of how to wear the best - without being a slavish follower.
Mlle Poesy in classic Chanel Tweed at the Haute Couture show 2012 (courtesy Stylist UK)
Our pick for Clémence would be the comfy and chic Twistbands. As a long-haired beauty they are perfect for her frequent ballerina buns.
The English Rose Rises
Poppy Delevingne perfectly sums up the cool, icy blondness of the English upper classes - restrained but not restrictive in her fashion, she adores Dior (as most do) - and has the fashion credentials to wear it well. Dressed to kill, she was front row forward for the HC show - and present at Chanel and Valli as well. A rose by any other name would definitely look as sweet...
Poppy Delevingne does Haute Dior (courtesy Style Bistro at Zimbio)
The MeMeMe Cheek & Lip Tint in 'Pussy Cat' suits Poppy down to a tee, we can imagine her looking ravishing with rosy cheeks and just-bitten lips.
La Bella Italiana
Margherita Missoni - heiress to the Missoni fashion empire - is a great example of money meeting class. Always impeccable, the newly engaged MM was spotted enthusiastically applauding at Giambattista Valli - the couture was definitively haute and so was she… bb loves her bohemian style and refusal to compromise her personal fashion favourites.
La Bella Missoni at Giambattista Valli (courtesy Style Bistro at Zimbio)
We think that free-spirited Margherita would be a big fan of Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, a product that will help keep her skin looking youthful and radiant.
A Grace-full Goddess
There is no denying whose granddaughter Charlotte Casiraghi is. A princess without the title, she is the spitting image of her glamourous grandmama the late Princess Grace of Monaco. With the posture that is born of equestrienne etiquette, this show-jumping stylista is beloved by Karl Lagerfeld - and is usually dressed by him for any black-tie event. She was front row at the Chanel show, alongside her brother's girlfriend Tatiana Santo Domingo and the fashion photographer of the millennium Paul Testino. Previously in a long-term relationship with Alex Dellal, she was recently seen with an older French gentleman who is a known lady-killer - but the bb team thinks this Monagesque chic chick can handle herself in any situation!
Charlotte, Tatiana San Domingo and Mario Testino at Chanel (courtesy hello!)
Charlotte loves a strong eye and the water-proof and smudge-proof Eye of Horus Smokey Eye Pencil would be perfect for her peepers.
These four examples of high fashion fabulousness all have the style, beauty and charm to carry off the extravagance that is Haute Couture - and none of them are yet out of their 20s. Imagine the archived clothing they will one day hand down - and sigh…and also remember that none of them are footing the bill!
Until next time - stay stylish and rock your own outfits - no matter how much they didn't cost!