Ziad Ghanem celebrates his 'Bal des Têtes' 2011 - couture like a huge decadent party hosted by socialite Baron de Redé

Ziad Ghanem’s creations are always a lustful drama, an extravagant theatre piece. And his Autumn/Winter 2011 Couture Collection makes no exception in its challenging of established dramatic boundaries.

The collection is titled ‘Bal des Têtes’ and is inspired by the legendary decadent parties of Zurich-born Jew and son of an Austrian-Hungarian banker, Baron de Redé alias Alexis von Rosenberg (4 February 1922 – 8 July 2004). The designs revive the indulgent pomp and splendour of past times.

Wikipedia says: "In 1956, at Alexis de Redé's Bal des Têtes, young Yves Saint-Laurent provided many of the headdresses—the Duchess of Windsor being one of the judges—and received a boost to his career.

When Diana Vreeland heard of the plans for Redé's upcoming Bal oriental, to be given on 5 December 1969, she promptly contacted the Baron expressing her interest in having the event photographed by Vogue.

The guest list was the "creme de la creme" of the International High Society .... including e.g. Brigitte Bardot, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Salvador Dalí, Baron Guy de Rothschild , ...."

The collection fires the imagination with fine chiffons, oversize prints on pastel coloured silks, precious stones and a mature approach to cutting. Jewellery by Sergei Grinko and high heels by Georgie Bee complete the looks in his look book. The London designer is celebrating his own ‘Bal des Têtes’ with gowns and accessories that ornament the body. It isn’t discreet. And it never should be.