The best of the best in fashion artistry came out to entertain and intrigue our eyes for the 2017 Couture Fall Fashion Week in Paris. For those of you who do not know, couture is the highest level of wearable fashion and is the perfect stage for designers to showcase their talents and workmanship. The budgets are non-existent and there is no such thing as “too fabulous.” The theme of this year seemed to be glamour and romance. The frocks ranged from classically sexy to avant-garde costumes. This couture week there were over 30 fashion shows displaying these gorgeous Fall frocks. But here are my 8 picks for the best of the couture runway collections.
CHANEL
The real show stopper of the Chanel Couture show was the craftsmanship. There is almost no ateliers like Chanel’s. The details in the jackets, tweed pieces, hats, flowers, beading, leather; the skilled work was endless. The cuts, pleats and structure were impeccable and everything was just beautifully done. Another success for Karl. Chanel’s show may have had a muted palette but it was not muted on style.
FENDI
Believe it or not, the theme behind Fendi’s floral show was shaved mink. No, I am not kidding. Each flower is made up of shaved mink. Fur was everywhere despite this shows’ light, ethereal appearance. Karl Lagerfeld’s show was simply stunning. But the real beauty is in the painstaking details that you may have not even noticed, in these extravagant fur flower creations.
ZUHAIR MURAD
Not a surprise, that Zuhair Murad delivers another romantic show that would make a goddess envious. The gowns are always so dreamy and detailed. Zuhair’s collections always include sheer illusions that make the dress very current, but the weight and regalness of the gowns make them seem old worldly. Glamorous, detailed and dramatic, per usual Zuhair is an expert at couture.
VALENTINO
Valentino went surprisingly stark for this collection. Valentino, in my opinion, has moments of clutter in their collections. This was not one of them. Supposedly inspired by church paintings of cardinals and popes, this collection was supposed to come off a bit church-meets-couture. The large unfitted frocks and ornate fabrics makes the religious garb comparison understandable, but that seems to be the only real lineal themes I recognized. Either way, the collection was beautiful and a twist on classic glamour.
MAISON MARGIELA
The innovative and imaginative team of Maison Margiela are fantastic at taking normal pieces and making them new. Like taking a tench and making it sheer and sexy, or taking a bulky Norwegian sweater and making it dainty and beautiful. These were just a few examples of the gorgeous and artistic vision of the Margiela’s couture show. It was supposed to represent “new glamour,” which is the reality of the imperfect world mixed with the perfect glamour of fashion. Even if it sounds slightly pretentious, this concept is fascinating and was perfectly executed.
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
We asked for couture and Valli did not disappoint. This was just such a romantic display of couture femininity and formal glamour. There is no ready-to-wear items in this show and I like it that way. The show was like every little girl’s dream. Tulle ballerina skirts, intricate floral beading, draped goddess gowns and pink, lots and lots of PINK. It was completely beautiful and so enjoyable to watch. I can guarantee you that this collection will be all over the red carpet this year, on every celebrity who can get their hands on it.
ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
The 80’s are back, thanks to Alexandre Vauthier. The show was more of a trip back to Studio 54, with bright lights, dance floor runways and all the lam’e one could handle. The shoulder pads were heavily featured and the polka dots gave me major 80’s prom vibes. The pieces I featured above, were the most easily adaptable to a modern wardrobe, if you are not ready to commit to the resurgence of the 80’s quite yet. The show was a great mix of gorgeous formal wear and ready-to-wear pieces. I loved the youthful energy and excessive nature of the show. It was perfect for the Parisian couture week.
ELIE SAAB
Hello, Sansa Stark. This Elie Saab collection went full Game of Thrones royalty. Every dress, crowns included, made me feel like I had forgot to change the channel from HBO. The Lebanese designer created a massive collection for this stunning display, with 60 pieces! That is an enormous fete, especially when each gown is so completely covered in beading, lace, feathers and details. You really have to look at every piece up close to wrap your head around how rich this work really was. It may be a bit themed, but this show was an unbelievably beautiful display of hard work and artistry.
That is a wrap on my favorite runway shows from the Fall 2017 Couture Week in Paris. Stay tuned for plenty of fashion finds and runway highlights!