The Fall 2011 Haute Couture collections marked a return to monochrome. Black and white looks ruled the runway, but that doesn’t mean the styles were boring or basic. Last season, designers  avoided this fate by jazzing monochromes up with splashes of bright neon accessories. This time around, designers amped up the glam factor by dousing the looks in all-over shimmer that glistened and gleaned as models strutted beneath the bright lights of the runway.

Chanel, Stéphane Rolland, & Elie Saab, photos: Imaxtree

In the Chanel collection, Karl Lagerfeld presented a half-structured, half-flowy ivory creation that was all sparkle. Stéphane Rolland, the Parisian fashion superstar, presented a just-as-shiny see-though, long-sleeved white dress that looked as if black, sparkly ink spilled and was just beginning to spread upward. Finally, Elie Saab embellished a short-sleeved gown with reflective sequins.

Christophe Josse, Giambattista Valli & Jean Paul Gaultier, Photos: Imaxtree

While designers went sheer with the glimmering white styles, the black creations were opaque and sexy. Christophe Josse‘s off-the-shoulder gown was born for the red carpet- we’d be happy to see it on any curvy star. Giambattista Valli went for a shorter hemline and white sleeves with his sparkly, textured party dress, and Jean Paul Gaultier topped off a tattered-hemmed  sequined stunner with a black tuxedo coat for a seductive masculine look. Glisten like the models on the haute couture runway in these glittery black and white pieces:

Photo: Courtesy of ASOS. ASOS Sequin One-Sleeve Dress, $24

Photo: Courtesy of Macy's. Arden B. As U Wish Dress, $34

Photo: Courtesy of Express. Express Sequin Mini Skirt, $60

Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom. Adrianna Papell Bead & Sequin Sheath Dress, $70