Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week is back with a bang this year! After two years of virtual presentations and small-scale shows, the recent shows at Couture Fashion Week knocked everyone’s socks off, and the energy was radiating. With designers like Chanel, Balenciaga, Dior, and Valentino in the lineup, the shows were bigger and better than ever! All the A-list celebrities and influencers were spotted in the French capital to enjoy the first-hand experience. Every day something new was served up on the runways. The designers went all-in and gave us some jaw-dropping trends that got all the fashion enthusiasts excited for the season!!

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At Valentino exaggerated silhouettes are still the major trend, and we are all for it! It is the best way to steal the show and have everyone talk about your bold style choices. Valentino has revealed its new Atelier Rose Edition bags, as creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli pays homage to the Italian fashion house’s iconic couture roots. Valentino is one of those couture houses that continue to have a hold on culture. While other brands focus on luxury handbags and ready-to-wear pieces, this designer always focuses on making their couture collection one of a kind.

Dolce & Gabbana also celebrates larger-than-life silhouettes with its 10th-anniversary collection. The brand showcased its Alta Moda collection at the Piazza Duomo in Siracusa where they reimagined a few of their classics. D&G’s love for lace and florals was witnessed once again with Helen Mirren and Mariah Carey spotted in the front row. “It’s not just the clothes, the two meters of pearls, of pleats” Dolce said at a press conference the afternoon before the show. “It’s not just one dress—it’s a style of life.” In Alta Moda, you are always the protagonist of your own drama.

Phelps, N. (2022, July 11). Dolce & Gabbana Celebrate 10 Glorious Years Of Alta Moda In Sicily. British Vogue. https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/article/dolce-and-gabbana-alta-moda-10th-anniversary

Alexandre Vauthier is a popular brand among celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Rihanna. The designer is known to create pieces that are more catered to an average person, however, his approach to design is always fresh. On this season's couture runway you will see how his history at Mugler and Gaultier pushes his taste for sexual freedom and excessive indulgence.

Oliver Rousteing showcased his guest collection for Jean Paul Gaultier during the couture week and it exceeded everyone’s expectations. The designer focused on diversity with his designs and made sure to pick models of every race, color, size, shape, and age. With everything that is going on in the US regarding the to abortion, the designer had two models walk the runway while clutching their bellies to highlight the issue.

This may be the year where you shine brighter than ever, all thanks to the glistening silhouettes presented by Elie Saab for haute couture week 2022. In the Fall 2022 collection, you will also find couture menswear, so instead of the standard made-to-measure or bespoke tuxedo, think Elie Saab for all your fall events. Designer Elie Saab feel men want to show themselves off, and what better way to do that than in couture!

Balenciaga shook up the couture week with their collection worthy of everyone’s attention! Mix in a little artificial intelligence, faceless models in high-tech reflective face shields and fabrics ranging from neoprene to streetwear classics like denim and jersey.

The runway kicked off with bold, futuristic looks and ended in gala-worthy dresses worn by fashion icons like Bella Hadid, Nicole Kidman, and Naomi Campbell.

Alexis Mabille took the chance to let the fashion industry know that sophisticated silhouettes will always be timeless. Plunging necklines, fitted silhouettes, and a bit of shimmer along the way are some trends we will be seeing for the upcoming season.“In life, it’s just a matter of s’assumer!” - remarked the designer to Vogue - the expression used by the French to describe being unapologetic about one's decision.

Cardini, T. (2022, July 5). Alexis Mabille fall 2022 couture collection. Vogue. Retrieved August 18, 2022, from https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2022-couture/alexis-mabille

Paris Fashion Week would be incomplete without talking about Chanel! The brand always stays true to its identity and presents designs that are feminine and flirty. Chanel's artistic director Virginie Viard kept true to the brand's new initiative of bringing in a younger clientele, the feminine and flirty looks were not overshadowed by the house's bloodline of demure but strong.

There is a reason why celebrities love wearing Giambattista Valli on red carpets! The designer is known to create silhouettes that are over the top with an enchanting feel to them. A good time will be had wearing Valli, the whimsical silhouettes are upped this couture season with a hint of science or more, which is why the couturiers wore lab coats as they worked. You can feel the air of Studio 54, as the designer pulled references for the legendary moment in NYC's fashion and art history.

Dior's Fall 22 Couture show was inspired by Ukrainian artist Olesia Trofymenko, who was responsible for the set design. The collection featured couture dresses, frocks, and coats that were deeply tied to freedom and nature. The use of Ukrainian folklore lends to rich layers of chiffon and pleating. The Dior rose was intricately worked into lace and beaded patterns. With luxury brands leaving Russia, the fashion industry has continued to show major support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week has gotten everyone excited for what’s about to come into the fashion industry. Now that the world has opened up again, people are excited to experiment with their style and this fashion season was the perfect segue into it.