All things French equate to luxury and sophistication: sipping wine, nibbling on petit fours and, of course, couture. Last week, the final presentations of the spring 2011 ready-to-wear collections were presented in Paris, and the best was arguably saved for last. Couture favourites pounded out hit after hit and fashion critics everywhere are gushing about the gorgeous and actually wearable collections. Although any French designer can make my heart race, a few were more memorable than others.

CHANEL:
What is French fashion if not Chanel? Karl would have done Coco proud with his absolute classic and anything but minimalist collection. In typical Lagerfeld style, the collection was made up of black and white with a few metallic trims and pastels mixed in. Chanel staples, like the tweed jacket, were made modern by distressing the fabric. Unfinished edges and embroidered holes also added an edge to the classic pieces. Ripped jeans and black-jeweled statement necklaces balanced the sweetly coloured dresses embellished delicately with feathers, and the ever-daring hotpants done in tweed and leather. The rest of the collection, made up of retro floral chiffon dresses, impeccably detailed gowns done in contrasting black fabrics and ladylike knit dresses made this one unforgettable collection.

YVES SAINT LAURENT:
With a collection paying tribute to the heritage of the brand, YSL staples were made modern with a few slight but key updates. Jumpsuits were cut closer to the body to create a slim, fluid silhouette. Trenches were done in a luscious, saturated navy or crisp white. Safari-like pieces were done in silk. Modern twists in the collection also included sheer blouses, cut-out A-line dresses, bubblesleeved blouses complete with a front-tied bow, and suits made sexy with a high leg slit. Modern day classic, indeed.

BALENCIAGA:
Typically graphic and a little avant-garde, Balenciaga's spring collection seemed a bit tamer than seasons past. Classically elegant houndstooth was seen in the form of leather dresses with a wide, zigzag hem and done in white, red and blue. The tuxedo was done in a sexy, mussed-up way with an untucked blouse and leather paper bag shorts done in burnt orange and black. Layering and pattern was played with by mixing denim and leather or metallic vests and sheer, sleeveless blouses. Sequined, tweed-printed one shoulder dresses were updated with a matching sequined tank underneath and topped with a juicy coral leather jacket. The collection was completed with sleeveless tops featuring a sharp, geometric neckline and done in layered, shiny and sheer cuts with pants and skirts in distinctive Balenciaga black leather.

BALMAIN:
Easily the epitome of rocker chic, Balmain churned out another collection that makes me want to toss my comb and sleep in black eyeliner. Leather jackets and pants were adorned with studs, zippers, embroidery and subtly printed with the classic American stars and stripes. Ripped tees and bustiers gave a nod to grunge and were safety pinned to create a snaking of silver against the black fabric. Micro-mini shorts and skirts done in destroyed denim and leather printed with red and white paint smudges paired perfectly with relaxed, splotched tanks and fitted blazers. Cropped jeans in denim and white with black dripping paint, a sequined jacket and a faded American-flag printed tank took Parisian cool stateside and injected some tough glamour into American classic.