Paris Haute Couture Fashion: Giambattista Valli, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier

Alas, again my favorite time of year…. Other than my birthday TODAY –
It’s Paris Haute Couture week and these are the things I drool over!
The stuff my dreams are made of. Do I not go on this spiel every time the Haute Couture shows come around??? Yes, I do. Ready to Wear is amazing and fabulous but there is something so magical about the countless hours and countless couturiers that it takes to put together the intricate details, embellishments and appliques on these exquisite works of art.

Right in time for a little pre-Valentine’s day warm up, Valentino closes his show with an “Ode to Love” as Style.com puts it.  Valentino designers Chiuri and Piccioli were inspired by Shakespeare, Dante’s inferno and Chagall paintings. With rich blood reds, creams, whites and muted jewel tones Valentino showed gowns with quotes, stars, and of course heaps of intricate floral motifs which were carried through out on multiple designers’ shows this week.

Sheer was a huge trend again, capes made a glamorous re-appearance, and floral embellishments overflowing with 3D sequins, jewels and architecture reined through out.

This showed true at Giambattista Valli, adding floor length capes of fluffy fur and ruffles fit for a queen. The frothy concoctions in black, white and pastels were shown with major texture and appliques, carrying forth the 3D flowers of last season made front-page news by the New Mrs. Clooney on her wedding weekend. Loud pink and grey floral prints engulfed some looks, sprinkled in with girly and delicate frocks that made for a really scrumptious collection over all.

Likewise at Elie Saab – the designer who is the epitome of red carpet glam – paid tribute to his mother and his 60’s childhood.  Intertwining his signature sheer gowns dripping in sequins and crystals with a new shorter and flirtier silhouette, Saab’s creations were fit for the likes from Pricilla Presley to Ariana Grande.  Decadently trimmed in ostrich feathers, a retro Hollywood glam vibe was also carried throughout.

Half pants and skirts showed at Jean Paul Gaultier, in the true essence of the JPG’s signature masculine vs. feminine double entendres, with a play this season on Bride vs. Groom.  The strong impact of black with white, flowing vs. stiff silhouettes, veils draped as scarves and a powerful black and white trimmed smoking jacket set the tone for his new collection.

On the Chanel runway, 300 3D paper flora graced the set’s backdrop, each of them blooming in an instantaneous mechanical burst setting spring into full force in Paris for the show.  With the standard homage to Coco’s signature silhouettes, Karl Lagerfeld went into vibrant detail embellishing shoulders, skirts and more with over the top stare-worthy fabric and sequin petals, flowers and sparkles.

Zuhair Murad was another stunner and had some looks that quite possibly are my favourite of the collections. Intertwining the structured glam of a powerful woman with capes and pleats and the sweet delicateness of an angelic encounter glittering in crystals, these dresses are awards season gold.

I could go on and on, but check them out for yourself…
www.Style.com for more.

Hope this inspired you as much as it inspires me!
xo
Emily

Follow me on Instagram @EmilyBrickel