The Fall 2008 Couture Shows

Fur coats, serious texture and heavy layering may be far from your mind as we enter the hottest days of the summer, but with the wrapping of the couture shows last week, the fashion industry is buzzing with the forecasting of winter 2008 trends.

Across the board, designers featured deep gem tones, textured and colored tights, long coats and fur in neutral grays, blacks, and browns. Dior took a modern approach to women's skirt suits updating them with new colors and higher waistlines. Armani Prive did the same with women's pantsuits, playing off menswear and introducing a high waisted pant that just barely hits at the ankle.

Christian LaCroix, who always keeps us guessing with his limitless creativity, showed a line that features a fashionable take on the prep school look, blazers, skirts, etc., which will definitely be a style to watch for this winter.

Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier showed collections that featured dark winter colors and fur jackets. Givenchy paired knee high boots with several of their looks and innovative ideas for winter layering.

Elie Saab, one of our personal favorites, showed breathtaking floor length gowns that seem meant for the red carpet. Valentino's collection featured both long and short dresses and played with lighter colors and vibrant reds, in keeping with the classic look of the fashion house.

Dior and LaCroix both showed to die for heels that we're sure fahsionistas will be all over when they hit stores. We're talking so fabulous they put the Dior heeled gladiators of the summer - a la Carrie Bradshaw - to shame.

Photos from style.com