Paris Haute Couture Week 2014: The Highlights
updated the 7 October 2015 à 00:04
From the usual glamorous gowns to unexpected streetwear influences – Haute Couture had a lot of fresh ideas this year. Here’s what stood out.
Our favourite week of the fashion season is here! The dreamy showcase of elaborate wonders of what essentially gave prominence to fashion and has affluent buyers from the world over – of course we’re talking about Haute Couture Week in Paris.
Throughout the week, we were treated to a magical experience inside the world of couture where both the extravagant and the minimal is a work of art. As we watched the models walk down the exquisite Parisian runways, we were also taking note of what celebrities may be picking out for the Oscars. Jennifer Lawrence in Dior maybe?
From gowns to hats to butterflies – and even sneakers – here’s our edit of the absolure highlights from Spring 2014 Couture Week.
Gowns galore
Zuhair Murad took a new twist to his usually sexy gowns and introduced a bevy of princess cut embellished gowns in a range of pastel hues. Not that we’re complaining of course!
And as always, Elie Saab is the true heart-breaker when it comes to gowns. His collection included various Grecian-pleated gowns and empire waists in pale shades of red, blue and yellow. But what perhaps stood out more this time are his handful of gowns which deviated from the usual monchrome scheme either with paint-like strokes of colour or ombré effect which looks truly sublime and fresh at the same time.
The Romantics
Dior‘s Raf Simmons also didn’t fail to impress with his signature classic style – this time with intricate fabric manipulations and cutwork which transformed each garment into a true work of art. Light and exquisite – it feels like Simmons is on a mission to revolutionise couture, in the most refined way possible. We love!
Headpieces
Versace’s surprise minimalism to their usual over the top approach was a refreshing start where a variety of gowns and suit combinations were framed with a plunging hood.
Schiaparelli, designed by Marco Zanini, was a true ode to the label’s glorious times. The eccentricity flowed through flawlessly and the headpieces were the perfect touch. Magnifique!
Giorgio Armani took to his design with the idea of a woman travelling the world and adding on experiences as she moves. He gave his woman a headscarf and at other times a dazzling mesh-like headpiece that exudes an alluring 20s glamour.
Out of the Ordinary
At Jean Paul Gaultier, no one really knows what is coming till the first model walks out and then surprises follow consistently. Eyes were stuck on the runway as first-rowers marvel at his quirky mind. And the real treat here was seeing burlesque star, Dita Von Teese (photo) in a bodice hugging butterfly-shaped dress that only she could pull off.
Butterflies also seem to be the focal point this season with Alexis Mabille and Stephane Rolland doling out versions of the fluttering beauty.
Maison Martin Margiela, revered for his ability to deconstruct brought down the runway a series of junk. By that we mean he reinterpreted materials that were thrown away like buttons and jewels and re-worked them into shiny, gliterry dresses. Junk for couture – we didn’t see that coming!
Lastly, how could we forget Chanel and their encrusted version of sneakers? Never did we think the luxe and elegant label would embrace fast fashion or street wear by having models skip down the runway in sneakers. That too in the finale wedding dress!
Well, Karl Lagerfeld surely knows how to stay relevant (and grounded) and keep the couture game going!
Tarandip Kaur
