Haute Couture Week: Highlights From Paris

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Check out the highlights from Paris Haute Couture Week, where all eyes were on Dior as Raf Simons showed his first line as new creative director for the fashion house.

Structure at Maison Martin Margiela.

Romantic drapes at Valentino.

Nature inspired creations from Giambattista Valli.

Classic Chanel looks.

Advanced artistry and craftsmanship by Chinese designer Yiqing Yin.

Giorgio Armani’s Privé collection was inspired by the night sky.

The high point of couture week was the Dior show and the first collection by Raf Simons, new creative director for the fashion house, who took over after John Galliano’s fifteen year tenure. Simons’ collection was very much an homage to Christian Dior himself. By superbly referencing the sculptural lines that are so typically Dior, Simons invoked the modernity this house brought to fashion in the 1940s. Combined with his signature style, Simons promises to deliver an exciting direction for the future. Scroll down for some of the highlights…

What was your favorite look?

Feb 26, 2013, 06.40 PMby greenirina

C’est un Monde vraiment féerique … il me fais rêver et à ce propos, voici un reportage qui décrit vraiment cette atmosphère singulier…. http://youtu.be/M4RZz00A_NY

Feb 26, 2013, 06.36 PMby greenirina

Nov 19, 2012, 09.00 PMby winterfood

This collection looks amazing!

Katherine sony-bravia-kdl55hx850-55-inch

Jul 20, 2012, 04.06 PMby Saeriu

I like some of these, very interesting. Because I don’t know…why is that the models never smile? It makes me wonder if the outfit is completely uncomfortable, fabric itchy, outlandish… I guess I think that a smile, even a smile or affirmative look, could sell the design more if the person wearing looked like that wanted to wear it or at least looked like they were enjoying it. I guess I’m just curious…

2 Replies

Jul 25, 2012, 02.12 PMby NYC-Design

Models rarely smile while walking a fashion show as they are hired to model and show how the clothes fit and moves on the body. Smiling would distract from this. There is a fashion documentary recently that mentioned that the origin of models not smiling came about because you had to give the buyers a cold attitude, to not touch or fondle the clothes as they walked past as that is what many buyers and fashion editors would do. I’ve worked on several fashion shows and it’s a serious thing. Hectic and frenetic behind the scenes too. The only fashion shows I know where models can smile and/or “goof off” are children’s wear and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show which is more for entertainment value.
Jul 27, 2012, 05.06 PMby Saeriu

Thanks, NYC-Design, for the response. I suppose that makes sense. It allows buyers a more objective, instead of subjective, image of the article.

Jul 20, 2012, 12.04 PMby Tracey Thompson

I have never claimed to be a fashionista and to have a reat deal of inside knowledge of the inner workings of a designers mind but WHY the need for such blatant use of designs that are either totally unwearable in the everyday sense or obviously exposing parts of the body which many may find offensive or inappropriate in the presence of children. Obviously, these referrals do not apply a great deal to these shown above which, on the whole, are quite beautiful but this is rare, sadly.

1 Reply

Jul 25, 2012, 02.02 PMby NYC-Design

Many of these designs are couture and are the artistic expressions of the designers. This is an haute couture, not ready-to-wear show. Most of the haute couture outfits are worn by celebrities, royalty, and the wealthy to events, galas, and functions where children are not about (they should be asleep in bed) so these artistic creations are acceptable. You would not wear these outfits “in the every day sense”. That is why there is also a ready-to-wear (off the rack) line for the average consumer.

Jul 17, 2012, 03.20 PMby Timea Schmidt

Valentino!! With lining:)))

Jul 17, 2012, 03.32 AMby coeurcouture

I love the red one from Valentino, if not a bit sheer. Also the Valli ones are gorgeous.

Jul 16, 2012, 10.48 PMby purplefan

Some of the clothes seem suitable for a sex show/swingers club. Really, unless one is into near nudism or modern plays with scant clothing…

The last pair of photos-love the blue floral print fabrics but dislike the garments. The floral walls of the showroom are fab!

Jul 17, 2012, 03.05 AMby Anniemollison

I agree, I think the masks seem a bit deviant. Although, this is probably what is intended. I don’t know much about Maison. I love the last pair of photos also.

Jul 16, 2012, 04.28 PMby Isabel Alexander

I love Maison’s designs and the masks aren’t out of character, so it doesn’t bother me. I am also really drawn to the coats and wide trousers from the Dior collection. I especially like Yinqing Yin’s. It’s very interesting.