Viktor & Rolf’s whimsical Fall 2017-2018 Haute Couture Collection
And in reality… I really love the shirred jacket and the patchwork jeans
From their program notes “the mascots are rooting for a world that is creative, diverse and eco-conscious.” The collection is all manipulated recycled fabrics.
You by now know I am a huge supporter of Haute Couture, most certainly not as a customer…if only, but for the whole idea of it. The workmanship, the creativity, the tradition, long may it survive. It is, of course, the laboratory of fashion and where most of the trends begin. I have begun this post with the creative genius that is Victor & Rolf but let’s go back in time to the longest established Haute Couture House, at least until Lanvin comes back or someone reinvents Lucile…that House is Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld never ceases to amaze us with his creativity. This year’s show had a replica of the Eiffel Tower as the centerpiece of the show and the garments themselves were this seasons version of the traditional looks of the Brand.
The Chanel set
The traditional Chanel tweed suit given modernity
A new version of the LBD. I particularly liked the nod to Chanel’s beginnings as a milliner.
Schiaparelli’s up next….I felt these represented the surrealistic feeling of the original designs of this imaginative creator.
Of course, it is Dior, another collection that is inspired by the original designer in this instance Christian Dior and his Bar suit from the first Dior Collection in 1947. This Collection celebrates the Brand’s 70th anniversary. Again, an ode to the importance of quality, longevity and pure style and looking perfect for today.
Almost looks like a Galliano for Dior piece….take note of the red suit in the background, I’ll explain a bit further in the post
Speaking of John Galliano, here is a piece from his collection for Mason Margiela
From Iris van Herpen’s collection which compares water and air (?) and was accompanied by underwater musicians, Between Music……
Another look from the Dutch designer’s Haute Couture collection.
From John Paul Gaultier, as alway,s a fun but exciting collection. I usually wear a knit cap with my ball gown, don’t you??!! But why not it is young, quite tongue in cheek, and very Gaultier. Please note the long gloves, they were most definitely a trend in many of the Collections as well as the platform shoe and lots and lots of black, gray and white.
From Valentino, looking a bit like Armani…there were many beads, this gown with beaded fringe, in the Collections but done with a light hand and quite beautiful.
One of my most favorite pieces from the shows by the master of elegant sophistication and subtlety (perhaps not so subtle here!), Giorgio Armani for Armani Privé
Another from Armani, I’m obsessed with the cocktail hat, if only we dressed like that again, so glamourous!!
Two American Brands showed their Spring 2018 Collections the Sunday before the Haute Couture Collections. Above three looks from Rodarte.
Another from Rodarte by sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy. Baby’s Breath adds a Spring touch along with the flower garden set.
Interesting red lace, the shoe bootie throws me a bit, don’t mind the idea but a bit heavy in the black, tan and white with the delicate lace….Many, if not all Collections had red in them…yet another trend to watch.
From Proenza Schouler
Remember last season the corset over the garment now we are seeing the bra over the dress
Love this look from Proenza Schouler need to lose the ruffle on the arm…aren’t the shoes to die for!!!
I end today with this exquisite gown from Giambattista Valli…he continues his short/long silhouette and it really works, here just one of his incredibly beautiful gowns from his Haute Couture Collection.
Of course, there are other Haute Couture Collections, I have chosen the ones I admired along with the ready-to-wear collections of the two American brands…let’s see if showing in the “fashion capital of the world” works its magic for them! Stay tuned……
I would like to recommend you read Vanessa Freiedman’s, The New York Times fashion director and chief fashion cretic’s Open Thread post from Friday, July 7, 2017, it is a brilliant critique on the Haute Couture Collections…I can’t, for some unknown reason, pull it up and share it with you, sorry!
All photos from Pinterest credits unknown.