Happy Friday! I can’t believe we’re in February already, and what a way to start the 2015 fashion calendar. Of all the fashion weeks around the world, Paris Haute Couture week has to be one of my favourites, when the “crème de la crème” of the world’s leading designers reunite for a week in Paris to show case their most ostentatious creations.
Each of our favourite designers presented the most inspirational haute couture collections, showcasing wonderful, elaborate and intricate creations, truly of a work of art.
There are three words to describe the theme at this year’s Paris Haute Couture Spring Summer 2015 (SS15) shows and that was romantic, floral and ethereal.
The lace, feathers and floral gowns in Elie Saab’s SS15 collection.
From Valentino’s Historical period inspiration to voile lace and embroidered motifs. The models walked down the catwalk like angels floating on clouds.
I loved this picture of one of Valentino’s models exiting the catwalk backstage, simply angelic. Jean Paul Gaultier delivered a flamboyant bridal themed collection, presented in his own ‘rockstar’ theatrical nature, models walked down the catwalk to a remix of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding”.
And who could forget Naomi Campbell strutting her stuff and looking as stunning as ever. The supermodel does not seem to have aged since I remember on the covers of the magazines in the 1990s. Chanel SS15 was one of my favourites, from the floral take on the Chanel classic tweed suit to the colourful silk floral dresses.
The grand finale embellished Chanel wedding gown..
Dior Haute Couture SS15 elegant & classic pleated A-line gowns.
Giambattista Valli’s lace and floral dresses in black & white and pastel colours
Bright floral prints and exaggerated babydoll dresses at Viktor & Rolf
The talk of the town was John Galliano’s triumphant return to the catwalk as he debut his first collection for Maison Martin Margiela. Whether you love or hate him, one thing is for sure, he continues to be a fashion genius.
And the grand finale to the amazing week – Dolce & Gabanna’s romantic and theatrical collection inspired by the ballet and in particular the Accademia del Teatro Alla Scala where the show was held
Romantic pair of ballet dancers from the Accademia del Teatro Alla Scala.
In order to truly appreciate the intricacy, impeccable craftsmanship and visionary design that goes behind the creation of each haute couture piece you must check out the video behind the creations of Chanel’s SS15 collection https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=314562085410030 and Dior SS15 pleated dresses http://www.refinery29.com/dior-couture-dress. My lucky sister Clarice Chian had the honour of visiting some of the ateliers for the Chanel and Dior fashion houses when she was in Paris for fashion week two years ago, it really makes you appreciate the hard work and attention for detail required in creating each piece in the collection, truly a masterpiece.
So what are your thoughts, what was your favourite Haute Couture collection and do you think the manual labour and elaborate design behind these creations warrant that price tag that comes with each gown?