jax likes...look of the moment, january 25, 2010

style.com

it's always hard to escape the gushing reviews of dior couture each season, so although i too was sufficiently impressed by john galliano's take on spring 2010 couture, i thought i would bring a slightly less well known designer to everyone's attention.  alexis mabille generally uses feminine archetypes in his collections, but his spring 2010 couture show marked a refreshing departure from the dominance of lace and frills.  while some questioned this sudden use of clean lines and simple tailoring as an answer to the recession (less risk and broader consumer appeal), but as mr. mabille explained it, "i was looking at cubist and suprematist art, and calder.  but yes, i wanted something cleaner, with less embroideries."  whatever the case may be, a majority of the pieces showcased his amazing skill in cutting and piecing his looks.  while some criticized that the show as a whole lacked a certain flow and theme, it's still difficult to not be impressed by his suits and eveningwear in isolation.  this look in particular (number twenty) is definitely my favorite.  the smooth blue material immediately connotes a peaceful breezy lake, and i love the detailing of the beading at the collar.  aside from that, i'm for some reason rather taken with the shoes in this collection, however plain they may be.  i also liked the weirdo half-dyed hair, and if you look at a close-up picture of this look, asia bugajska's eyes perfectly match everything, which was really just the ideal final touch.