Bulgarian designers Livia S. Stoianova and Yassen Samouilov showed their designs for On Aura Tout Vu’s Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2012 fashion show in Paris and I was one of the lucky few who got a ticket to the show. I was excited for this show as soon as I got the invitation. The card had a picture of flames and there was an actual match inside the invitation. I also noticed that the show was sponsored by Swarovski crystal, so I was looking forward to seeing the sparkling pieces they would create.
I arrived at the venue of the show, which was in a large garage space in Paris. The back wall of the runway was glowing with flames coming out of the ground, and on either side of the door were two large flaming vases. The stage was set for an exciting show and I was not disappointed. The show opened with a model setting a crystallized BBQ ablaze with an over sized match adorned with sparkling crystals.
The show was full of sparkling crystals and gorgeous embroidery. There were large stalactite type crystals on shoulders and thousands of precious stones encased around the model’s bodies. Sparkling sequins were combined with tulle and embroidered with crystal to create beautiful pieces of art.
Even as the models turned and left the runway, the back of the garments were just as beautiful as the front. The beadwork and embroidery had as much attention payed to them as the front of the pieces.
There were even edgy, crystallized glasses!
This amazing beadwork is all hand done using the Luneville technique in a Parisian atelier. All crystals were Swarovski and the mixture of large crystals and delicate material created a strong architectural, yet feminine feel.
The show ended with a spectacular dress that was actually smoking as it came down the runway. It had beautiful large ruffles around the bottom, and sparkling beadwork at the top. This couture show was one of my favorites with all the intricate embroidery and beadwork. It really showcased the talent of the skilled artisans who created these stunning pieces.
Glimpse Creations 
What a wonderful website. I’m so excited to see what comes next. We can’t let the couture skills fall by the wayside.
I have been avidly following your blog for over a year. I first discovered it while trying to find out as much as possible on tambour beading. I do custom design and dressmaking in Vancouver. Your jewelry designs are so beautiful. You’re living the life I would have loved to live — decades ago!
Great article.