4 Inspiring Looks from the Spring 2011 Couture Shows

The couture shows in Paris are an opportunity for designers to create their most elaborate dream gowns. They spare no expense and the craftsmanship and time that goes into constructing each piece is unmatched. The beauty looks are wrought with equal care and help to express the particular fantasy the designer is creating. Here are 4 inspiring hair looks from last week's Couture shows.

Flawless at Christian Dior Couture-

Orlando Pita and his team executed picture perfect 50’s updos inspired by the flawless ladies in the illustrations of Rene Gruau. Click here to learn more about Rene Gruau in a great piece by the Telegraph.

Full Tilt at Jean Paul Gaultier Couture -

At Jean Paul Gaultier, extraordinary lengths of extensions were molded into intricate mowhaks and braids and splashed with streaks of red and black. A high fashion tribute to punk, models paraded down the runway to the Sex Pistols and the Clash.

Subdued at Valentino Couture-

On the models at Valentino, Eugene Souleiman created a simple pair of reverse French braids with a center part. The look, overly feminine and subdued, was subversive in its restraint.

Romantic at Elie Saab Couture-

At Elie Saab, the hair was slightly messy, parted at the side and swept across the back of the head into a tight side bun. The feminine, romantic look paired sweetly with sheer gowns in rose, lavender and floral prints accented with lace, floral appliqués and sequins.

Photos By Elle.com