Left, the cover of Watch the Throne. Right, a look from Givenchy's couture collection.

Riccardo Tisci unveiled yet another spectacular couture collection in Paris yesterday. Givenchy-philes practically swooned in unison as pictures surfaced. There are just ten dresses, all white with spots of gold. Each one’s more elaborately decorated than the next with dégradé pearls, hand-sewn crystals, feathers, fringe, beads and lace. Everything was long, though some still light thanks to sheer underlays and cutouts at the waist and shoulders. It was the last dress, however, that caught our eye. On this side of the Atlantic the Internet was buzzing over the cover of Jay-Z and Kanye’s joint album, Watch the Throne. Between Tisci’s colorful menswear show last week and yesterday’s stunning couture presentation, the designer whipped up the gold cover, above left, for his friends. The pattern around the edge is strikingly similar to the embroidery on the final couture look, above right, which may link couture and rap for the first time ever. As if you needed another reason to love Tisci.

Photo: Getty Images

If you haven’t had your royal wedding fill for 2011, you haven’t been paying attention. There was London’s royal wedding in May between Kate Middleton and Prince William (now the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), and then fashion’s royal wedding between Kate Moss and Jamie Hince (more on that later) this past weekend. The latter was followed by a truly royal wedding in Monaco between Prince Albert and former Olympian Charlene Wittstock on July 2nd. Though the French tabloids had a field day with rumors that Wittstock tried to flee Monaco at least three times prior to tying the knot, the South African went through with her nuptials wearing a stark white Armani Privé gown embroidered with 40,000 Swarovski crystals before changing into another white, tiered Armani dress for the reception. The guest list included Nicolas Sarkozy, Karl Lagerfeld, Karolina Kurkova, Rodger Moore and Naomi Campbell—who wore a white gown with a train to the reception! And of course plenty of royalty to round out the party including Princesses Stephanie and Caroline of Monaco. For an added dose of decadence, the wedding cake was made from more than 100 pounds of strawberries.

Photo: Imaxtree

The Haute Couture shows kicked off in Paris on Sunday night and ELLE’s market editor, Joann Pailey, is keeping a daily diary of Paris’ most talked about moments! Read on for her notes on Dior, Roger Vivier and Versace’s Atelier presentation.

Photo: Disney, Imaxtree

PARIS—Remember that scene in Walt Disney’s Cinderella, where the godmother and the friendly mice turn random objects into a ball gown? That’s what Maison Martin Margiela‘s ‘artisanal line’ presentation, presented last night, felt like. Gaffa tape, old seat belts, sport socks—if you could build a set with it, they built a dress with it. On the first day of couture when one’s sandwiched between a Hussein Chalayan retrospective and a Dior couture show, a mere piece of polyester feeks shocking, but when fleece is held together by sticky tape? Well the front row looked like it might have a heart attack right there in the Maison’s showroom. The clothes comically contrasted with the environment which included a grand piano and live concert against the 19th century interiors in white and gold. Eventually, it made sense. Old blankets turned into draped dresses with trails, seat belts became sexy braces. The gaffa tape holding suits together complemented the satin masks worn by the models. White socks turned into body conscious knits, or into high heeled shoes via a wedge stuck at the sole; scraps of leather turned into biker jackets and plastic trench coats were right on trend. When we walked outside, we half expected to a see a town car turned coach!

Summer is an ideal time to switch things up: New clothes, new makeup, and of course, new hair. The great thing about experimenting with your locks in the hot season is that there’s no need to fret over public reaction. We all know when you get a haircut during the school year, everyone and their mother notices (which isn’t always good, especially if the cut was a dud). So if you’ve been indecisive about whether or not to change your hairstyle, now’s the perfect time to whack off your tresses into a short bob or experiment with a fresh look. Check out four summer cuts that are high on the style and low on the risk (well, three out of four are)!

Going along with the whole tribal trend we’ve been seeing on the runways lately, we thought woven sandals were the perfect start to get the look…because we all know an outfit really starts with the shoes. We show you how to jump into this trend feet-first with awesome woven sandals, just in time for the summer heat-wave. And best part is they’re all super affordable under $50!

Photo: Courtesy of Goop

First it was Gwyneth Paltrow, then it was Kate Bosworth, and now the Olsens are the latest celebs to launch a customized-shopping website. With so many star-turned-stylists’ websites out there, it’s hard to keep track of who runs what. We break down the best celeb-fronted shopping sites and the inspiration behind them.

As if sparklers and fireworks didn’t dazzle our eyes enough this weekend, Sunday kicked off Paris’ haute couture week, when we get to see some of high-fashion’s most fantastic, whimsical, and dramatic looks. Teetering on the edge of insanity and pure genius, designers showcase their unique talent and impeccable skill. Here’s a peek at some of our favorites from bizarre to beautiful so far.

We love to party all year round (who wouldn’t?), but there’s something special about summertime fiestas. The sun, the delicious food, not having to worry about homework—whatever it is, we’re getting totally psyched about all our summer get-togethers—style-wise. Whatever kind of party you’re hitting, whether it’s the beach, a BBQ, family reunion, or rooftop, we’ve got you covered with street style outfit inspiration.

Beach/Pool Party

There couldn’t be a more quintessential summer shindig than the pool or beach party, and they’re the perfect opportunity to work your favorite bathing suit into your outfit! Wear a button-up shirt open and tied at the waist with shorts to show off your fave bikini, or try a cropped cardigan as a unique cover-up over a one-piece. A loose dress and floppy hat will keep you cool and pretty in the sunny weather. Just ditch the top layer, and you’re ready to jump in!