The Haute Couture Week unfolded in a spectacle of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. This season, designers pushed boundaries and presented collections that not only paid homage to the art of haute couture but also signaled a bold step into the future of fashion. Let's dive into the highlights from some of the most anticipated shows.
MAISON MARGIELA
On a memorable evening beneath Paris's Alexandre III bridge, John Galliano unveiled his Maison Margiela Artisanal collection for Spring/Summer 2024, marking a spectacular finale to Haute Couture Fashion Week. This collection breathed new life into the fashion zeitgeist with its groundbreaking approach to celebrating the feminine silhouette and pioneering dressmaking techniques.
The collection was marked by an exploration of transparency and structure, with models such as Gwendoline Christie leading the runway in sheer, corseted gowns that blurred the lines between strength and delicacy. Galliano's narrative, inspired by Paris's mysterious underbelly and the tales whispered by night-time wanderers along the Seine, transformed traditional couture with a blend of deconstruction and innovation. Galliano's innovative use of materials and techniques was evident, pushing forward a trend of blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde design.
SCHIAPARELLI
Schiaparelli's latest Spring/Summer 2024 Couture collection is a vibrant tribute to the stars and the rich history of exploration that runs in the brand's DNA. Inspired by Elsa Schiaparelli's uncle's discovery of Martian channels, Daniel Roseberry presents 'Schiaparalien,' a lineup that's as much a nod to the cosmos as it is a celebration of earthly wonders. Think vintage lace getting a modern twist, or dresses that sparkle like a night sky but with a techy-touch, thanks to some cleverly placed microchips. It's a quirky mix of yesterday's treasures and today's tech. Daniel Roseberry sprinkled a bit of his Texas roots throughout, transforming cowboy classics into high-fashion must-haves.
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
Simone Rocha took the Paris runway by storm for Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, combining her flair with Gaultier’s distinctive style. The collection featured backless gowns, playful tulle fabrics and bold silhouettes adorned with Rocha's love for bows, pearls and flowers, complemented by Gaultier's signature influences and bold corsetry. Rochas's debut, in haute couture beautifully intertwined her designs with Gaultier's essence resulting in timeless creations that felt both fresh and deeply personal. This beautiful collaboration proved fashion’s ability to evolve and inspire.
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
Giambattista Valli celebrated femininity in its most opulent form. The collection was a riot of colours, textures, and volumes, with each piece more breathtaking than the last. Valli's signature tulle gowns, adorned with floral appliqués and dramatic ruffles, were the epitome of romantic extravagance.
DIOR
Diors SS24 Haute Couture collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri unveiled a mesmerizing blend of past and present. Inspired by the brand’s iconic 'La Cigale dress, and the the opulence of Ottoman rulers, Chiuri presented a palette featuring gold, white, burgundy and green. The collection embraced architectural silhouettes, bold cut outs and luxurious fabrics as a nod to Dior’s legacy while infusing a touch of sophistication.
Set against Isabella Ducrots 'Big Aura' art installation in the gardens of the Musée Rodin, the collection comes alive amidst towering, oversized silhouettes that echo the grandeur of the past. Each piece, from velvet gowns to feathered capes embodied the essence of haute couture—uniquely crafted, genuine and always enchanting. Chiuris creative direction for Dior beautifully blends historical depth and contemporary innovation, celebrating timeless charm of haute couture in every detail.
ROBERT WUN
In the radiant spotlight of Paris's haute couture scene, Robert Wun, a visionary from Hong Kong, has once again captivated the fashion world with his Spring/Summer 2024 collection, eloquently named "For Love. Wun delves into a world where horror meets haute couture, drawing inspiration from his favourite eerie films to spin a tale of love, loss, and surreal beauty.
Wun reimagined his iconic raincoat into a stunning dress that sets a hauntingly beautiful tone. From the crystal-embellished charcoal wool opening pieces to the imaginative headpiece and the dramatic flair of the electric blue gown, each piece tells a story of poetic horror and unusual beauty. Wun's creativity shined as he presents a modern scorned bride, complete with an ink-splattered umbrella hat, and ventures into edgy menswear that blends sinister leather with striking headpieces.