Reviving the thread....
In no particular order:
1. Alexander McQueen Fall/ Winter 2006
Everyone remembers this collection for the Kate Moss hologram. But for me, the finale just happened to be the icing on top of the most delicious cake ever made. The actual show itself was so emotional, the combination of some of the most stunning clothes ever designed, the gorgeous hats, the moving Michael Nyman soundtrack, the rustic set...everything is just so incredibly perfect.
2. Alexander McQueen Fall/ Winter 2005
I know, I know...it was one of his most commercial collections to date...I get it. But that still doesn't stop me from loving this collection. I love the atmosphere that McQueen created. From the location, the lighting, the music, the casting, the hair and make up, the fantastic update of classic 60's shapes, colors and textiles. I especially love the Hitchcock inspiration and references. And that closing look on Hana....I could die.
3. Yves Saint Laurent Fall/ Winter 2005
I just love this collection so much. I love the stoicism of the collection, the stiffness, the "overworked" silhouettes...I adore the clerical inspiration. And then those incredible Botticelli gowns that closed the show! I also love the simply blue set, the gorgeous music, the breathtaking hair bows, and then....the SHOES! My favorite shoe of all time is the oxblood platform loafers from this collection!
4. Balenciaga Spring/ Summer 2006
Such a modern collection. This was the first Balenciaga show that I was obsessed with. I think the evolution of simple, architectural shapes with a 60's rocker attitude into ornate, worked, baroque silhouettes with tons of detailing work is so stunning. And those navy blue/ black brocade skinny suits are so gorgeous. I saw them in person (along with many of the...magnificent cream baroque looks) when I was in Paris at the Balenciaga exhibit...and they were mesmerizing...I just stared at those suits for a good hour!
5. Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/ Winter 2007
The ultimate JPG. Stunning tailoring, magnificent male/ female exploration, a heavy dose of wit and humor, exquisite fabrics and embellishing, ethnic referencing in totally modern way...JPG is just the epitome of modern, sophisticated, adult couture. And this is just a collection I obsess over...I can't get enough of it.
6. John Galliano Fall/ Winter 2004
One of the 'funnest' collections of all time. This collection just is so incredibly energetic and has personality bursting at the seams. I love the vagabond/ pack rat/ magpie/ bag lady feeling of the collection. I love the Civil War shapes done in crazy, folk fabrics, the vibrant colors. And the soundtrack is so fantastic, one of Jeremy Healy's best efforts. The hair and make up are also beyond genius.
7. Christian Lacroix Haute Couture Spring/ Summer 2006
The absolute, epitome Lacroix. I just can't say enough about this collection. I love the slightly wilted, antique aesthetic. It was also such a mature, yet entirely youthful collection. It's hard to describe really...I think it's just one of the most gorgeous collections ever.
8. Dior Haute Couture Spring/ Summer 2005
One of John's most forward thinking collections. I mean, a couture leotard? How fantastic is that? John's interpretation of Edie is, in my opinion, is the best ever done. And then that....stunning.....red/ orange/ pink velvet section. I've watched the video of that section hundreds of times. It's just...words like magnificent and stunning cannot even begin to describe it. Those crushed, red velvet coats with embroidery beading and splotches of bleaching worn by models who look like Rembrandt paintings and the live violins playing music from "The Hours"....and then the beautiful white section. That coat on Eugenia is TO DIE FOR. And then one of the closing look...one of the most gorgeous dresses of all time. The detail work on that dress...the bare, frayed threads...I just...it's perfect.
9. Dior Haute Couture Fall/ Winter 2003
Three words. Those flamenco dresses. That opening look...I could stare at it for hours. This is one of the sexiest shows of all time. It's so raw, so energetic, so full of life. The whole show was a celebration and I loved that. Plus, this is some of Pat's, Orlando's, and Jeremy's best work, too. You can just tell they were all so inspired and that level of excitement and creativity is just infectious.
10. Gucci Fall/ Winter 2003
Probably Tom's best collection. It's one of the most sophisticated collections of all time. Those body con dresses, those breathtaking coats, those stunning shoes, the stirring music, the role petal runway and rose petal finale....you don't forget a show like that. And Carmen closing the show in that red gown, the rose petals falling, "Nothing Compares 2 U" playing...and then she does that little turn before she exits....perfection.