At the couture shows, one expects flair and drama. Beauty is an important part of any runway show, but it’s taken to a different level in couture. It’s either masterfully understated to let the clothes shine, or a literal extension of the couture pieces themselves.

The Spring 2011 couture shows delivered flair in abundance. Yes, there were quiet and pretty moments, like at Elie Saab and Valentino. And Jean Paul Gaultier was kind of a hot mess, mixing Marcel waves, braids, and mohawks–though he did a magnificent elongated cat eye, so we’ll forgive him for the hair.

A few trends emerged as well–some things to watch for in the upcoming A/W 2011 shows, perhaps?

-Asian models: Givenchy used all Asian girls, as befitted the Japanese theme (though many weren’t Japanese). Elie Saab used three, all in a row and all dressed in red. Does two make a trend? We’ll see.

-High blush to the temples: Chanel and Valentino both put blush in unnatural places (coincidentally not unlike Justin Bieber did at the Golden Globes). Start at the high cheek bone and blend to the lower orbital bone, then continue right up to the temples. Instant couture glow.

-Cat eye with a twist: Chanel did a thick cat eye that cut up towards the brow rather than out horizontally. Dior did a double cat eye, with wings extending from both the upper and lower lids. Jean Paul Gaultier’s was a traditional shape, but exaggerated almost out to the hairline.

So what were our favorite looks at the shows? Click through to find out.