Autumn Winter 2019 Couture
The fashion world recently celebrated Haute Couture week in Europe, where the major fashion houses of the world showcased one-of-a-kind, over-the-top luxurious couture pieces for Autumn / Winter 2020. I’m sharing some highlights and trends.
Haute couture collections are exclusively tailor made for a few clients, and deemed highest quality and highest price. The focus is very much on exquisite fabric and elaborate craftmanship. Some fun facts, there are specific standards that a piece can be deemed ‘couture’ and an exquisite couture collection or fashion house is not haute couture until Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture crowns it so!
I spent the last weekend catching up on a few AW19/20 Haute Couture shows, including Dior, Chanel, Iris Van Herpen, Givenchy, Valentino, Ralph and Russo, and Fendi. I’m sharing my highlights, thoughts and pieces that inspire me.
Dior – Dark and Delicate
At Christian Dior, Maria used architecture as a foundation of the collection. She worked almost exclusively in black, drawing our focus to the silhouette and details. Gowns and corsets are structured with delicate semi-transparent fabric, avoiding old fashion padding. A fair amount of feathers embellished the gowns. There is a sense of lightness, effortless, comfort and elegance in these dark pieces. Truly exquisite!
Photos courtesy of vogue.com | See all the looks here
Chanel – smart and luxurious
Chanel transformed the Grand Palais into a two-storey circular library as a backdrop, which was a little tame compared to previous shows. Virginie Viard’ haute couture debut collection was minimalistic, fluid, luxurious, and smart. Houndsthooth are still here to stay, this time with sparkly exquisite fabric. The stand out accessories were the specs, which will get everyone wanting to get a pair.
Photos courtesy of vogue.com | See all the looks here
Ralph and Russo – 1930 Dazzle
A 90 metre runway constructed through the embassy’s garden. My favourite backdrop so far! The 1930 Art Deco inspired collection started with a white palette transitioning to pastel hues, to bold palette. Ruffles, pearls, fringes of crystals, and ostrich feathers were prominent embellishment. Feminine and dazzling indeed.
Photos courtesy of vogue.com | Watch the full show here
Valentino – Inclusive and Vibrant
The show was a celebration of women from different cultures. The collection was vibrant. The craftsmanship was jaw dropping. For example, a sleeveless gown made of rose gauze squares attached together one-by-one over the course of 2,010 hours. The statement accessories included the ornamental hats, Komondor wool fringe, big bows embellishment. The audience were on their feet even before Piccioli walked out for his bow with his atelier staff. It got me teary.
Photos courtesy of vogue.com | Watch the full show here
I wished I were in Europe to see these shows in person. Nonetheless, all of these exquisite pieces inspired me to create. If you have had the chance to check out some of the shows, let me know your favourite designer, shows, pieces and moments.