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The highly anticipated Haute Couture Fashion Week has begun in the fashion capital: Paris. This season’s schedule kicked off with Schiaparelli, Giambattista Valli, and Dior showcasing their spring/summer 2024 collections. The runway displayed stunning gowns that are expected to make an appearance on the red carpet during the upcoming awards season.
Schiaparelli’s avant-garde collection, inspired by otherworldly creatures and the harmony between the earthly and heavenly realms, has garnered praise from fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Dior, under the direction of designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, presented a Spring/Summer 2024 Haute Couture collection characterized by eclectic patterns combined with subtle hues and shapes, paying homage to the art of textiles and craftsmanship.
Rahul Mishra focused on nature in his designs, intricately capturing the beauty of insects and their wings, patterns, and forms. Chanel’s show showcased a romanticism reminiscent of Shakespearean times. On the other hand, Kim Jones brought a more humanized futurism to Fendi’s latest collection.
Below, we round up the highlights from the shows and presentations.
TAMARA RALPH
Returning to Paris for her 16th season of couture and her second season under her namesake brand, designer Tamara Ralph expressed her delight and excitement to share her passion with the world. The collection embraced bold femininity and uncompromising strength, showcasing new dimensions and growth in her creative vision.
DIOR
Dior transformed the gardens of the Rodin Museum in Paris for their haute couture show, presenting a collection of sophisticated and elaborate pieces. Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri envisioned a perfect haute couture wardrobe, blending simplicity with intricate details. The star-studded audience, including Rihanna and Anya Taylor-Joy, witnessed the stunning display.
ELIE SAAB
Elie Saab unveiled a collection inspired by the captivating beauty of a rare Desert Rose. The collection showcased lavish textures and sculpted silhouettes, capturing the essence and rhythm of Marrakesh.
FENDI
Kim Jones drew inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld’s futuristic designs during his tenure as artistic director at Fendi for their latest couture collection. The collection showcased a blend of structure and decoration, emphasizing precision and emotion. Jones also paid homage to the exceptional skills of the Fendi artisans, highlighting the craftsmanship of embroiderers, tailors, pattern-cutters, leather workers, and dressmakers.
VALENTINO
Pierpaolo Piccioli found inspiration in the timeless essence of haute couture for Valentino’s collection. The designs incorporated elements from the past while remaining rooted in modern life. The collection represented a modern wardrobe, evoking a freedom of expression associated with a love for true fashion. The house emphasized the obsessive pursuit of perfection and the passion for handcraftsmanship that characterizes haute couture.
SIMONE ROCHA for JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
London Fashion Week designer Simone Rocha collaborated with Jean Paul Gaultier for the couture collection, seamlessly blending the iconic motifs of both houses. The collection showcased backless ballgowns, stunning tulle creations, dresses with dramatic silhouettes, and signature elements such as bows, froth, pearls, and flowers. Sailor-inspired accessories, underwear-as-outerwear, corsets, and Rocha’s chic interpretation of Gaultier’s iconic cone bra also made an appearance.
CHANEL
Creative director Virginie Viard sought inspiration from the emotional connection she feels towards Chanel for this season’s collection. Ballet served as the focal point, reflecting in white tights, ruffled collars, leotards, and lace. Viard emphasized the symbiotic relationship between Chanel and the world of dance, as the house collaborates with choreographers and creates costumes for ballet. The collection exuded an ethereal quality, featuring tulle, ruffles, pleats, and lace while bringing together the strength and finesse of both bodies and clothes.
