When I sat down this afternoon to peruse the runway looks from last Friday’s Luly Yang Couture Fashon Show, I was hoping to narrow down my favorites to a neat, tidy top five list. You’ll just have to indulge me with nine.

But first, let’s see a few snaps of the décor and pre-show gallery of gowns (plus cute bottled cocktails) at Fremont Studios Friday evening:

 

After the always-emotional children’s fashion show (Luly crafted couture looks for five Seattle Children’s Hospital patients) and the always-lively client show (all-star looks sported by the lucky clients who own them), the couture show took center stage. The Monarch’s Tale theme flitted throughout the five distinct sets as the butterfly traveled the world: Grand Canyon; Bamboo Forest; Amazonia; Antartica; and a Celebration back home.

I will try to keep the “oohing” and “ahhing” to a minimum, but without further ado, here are my favorite looks of the evening, and why they stood out to me:

#9, Celebration set (below left): A dash of color, accented by pom pom puff shoes designed by Luly Yang herself

#8, Amazonia set (center): A gorgeous interpretation of a canary in dress form

#7, Grand Canyon set (right, courtesy of Team Photogenic): The layers and folds of this burnt orange confection are divine

#6, Antartica set (below left): This blingy muff would be the perfect addition to a winter wedding ensemble

#5, Grand Canyon set (center, courtesty of Team Photogenic): Ruffles! (Need I say more?)

#4, Antartica set (right): Ice queen– in the best possible sense

#3, Bamboo Forest set: My best guess is this dress is actually that dress, so look closely: Those sequins are sewn on individually to this regal confection. (Swoon)

#2, Children’s set: Because it’s too cute not to share

#1, Finale: The monarch completed her journey with layers and layers of tulle and an updated butterfly design

Photos generously provided by Clane Gessel Photography (except where noted).