Givenchy Haute Couture autumn 2011 is the stuff dreams are made of

Let’s all stop for a minute and marvel at the utter perfection pictured above. Isn’t this the stuff dreams are made of? Where fluffy clouds carry ethereal angels and drip them with decadence, so that they appear on the cusp of calm but bear a reassuring strength? Yes is the answer you’re looking for.

This is Riccardo Tisci’s offering for Givenchy Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011, and we’ll start by saying this: Tisci, you utter, utter genius. If there was ever any doubt of why he should be headhunted for the job at Dior, consider this proof and then some.

“Angels meet birds of paradise to deliver an ethereal collection,” reads the release – a testament to Riccardo’s ability to fuse fragile whites, creams and barely-glimmering golds with technical prowess and show-stopping power.

It’s a little light for an autumn collection, but the attention detail adds heavy depth.

Seemingly frangible fabrics like gauzy silk tuelle and romantic Chantilly lace are given substance by expert embroidery, 3D layers and a serious helping of embellishment via metal chains, cotton macramé lace, white beads and reflecting pearls to add an industrial edge to the collection’s frailty.

Frankly, it’s exquisite, and if this is what heaven looks like, we sure as hell don’t mind paying it a visit when our time comes.

[nggallery id=57]