The weeks following any Fashion week create an endless ripple of speculations, reviews, interviews and buzz about the designer's and their latest collections. While some create instant ‘it' status and are pre-ordered and sold out before even hitting the stores, other collections can flop and some are left wondering what the designer in question was thinking.

These observations often vary from source to source, as Vogue may not share the same opinion as Star. As well, different types of collections create different judgements. Haute couture collections tend to lean towards more of a concept than a reality, while ready-to-wear offers garments that can be seen at your local Holts and are easier to incorporate into an average wardrobe.

While it's the ready-to-wear pieces that are most acquired, it's the haute couture pieces that take incredible imagination and ingenuity to design and construct. Although these collections never fail to dazzle me, some leave me wondering where the line is drawn to separate couture from costume?

John Galliano of Christian Dior is inarguably the most wild modern day couturier. The collection itself is usually a wonder, but Galliano takes it to the next level with the shoes, make-up and hair for the models. His spring 2009 collection was no difference and was inspired by the Napoleonic war era and featured huge plumed military helmets and tall, fur British soldier hats.

Vikor & Rolf are another pair that pushes the limits when it comes to haute couture. Who can forget the fall 2007 collection, with the words “no” and “yes” painted on the model's faces and the words popping out of the garments in 3D? Not surprisingly, last fall's runway show rivalled that; models tentatively walking the runway with six foot tall, 50 pound lighting fixtures attached to their shoulders.

Another heavy hitter haute couturier is the Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, who established the unapologetic avant-garde Comme des Garçons, and whose ready-to-wear collection is as unconventional as most designer's couture collections. Case in point: the crazy white lace Victorian looking wigs that sat perched and rose two feet above the model's head on the spring 2009 runway.

Is this still fashion, or are we now watching live art? For as long as the two have existed, they have been influences on each other. Haute couture is a way for designer's to express themselves in creative and inventive ways and not worry if it will sell or not; that's for their ready-to-wear lines.

Then again, there will always be the fashion adventurers who will brave the “worst dressed” list in the tabloids and prance around town in these fierce and vivacious garments.

At the end of the day, fashion is not to be taken so seriously and we as the public can learn a thing or two from the couturiers and have some fun with our wardrobe selection. After all, it is called a fashion show, and a show, by definition, is supposed to entertain.