Image via CHANEL
It's hard to believe that Paris could get any more beautiful than it already is, but during Haute Couture Fashion Week the city appears to get an extra dose of effervescence. I look forward to this show every year—the dreamy collections are packed with more inspiration than I know what to do with. I find myself tacking up dozens of looks onto my inspiration board and filling piles of manila folders.
So, why are the haute couture shows so invigorating? I want to experience fashion that excites me and makes my heart race—like hearing a powerful song for the first time or a new taste you can't get enough of. And, that's exactly what these runway shows do. Each of the following collections are emotional. They're about perception and visual fantasies. I hope you'll get as lost in them and as endlessly inspired as I do.
VALENTINO: Subtle Impact
This collection really spoke to the power of simplistic forms expressed through a very curated range of colors. It begs the question, what do you want to say without saying anything at all? Highlights for me were the subtle pleating details and long statuesque silhouettes—the entire collection felt very architectural. Bravo Pierpaolo Piccioli! Hard to believe it's his first time showing at Couture Week!
ELIE SAAB: More is More
From jaw-dropping jewels and billowy feather accents to strategically embellished patterns displayed on sumptuous fabrics, Elie Saab's couture collection is beyond stunning. What a story teller! There is truly so much to love about each perfectly put together ensemble, and what struck me most was Mr. Saab's effortless use of accessories—everything from belts, headbands, sunglasses, and to-die-for statement earrings. Man after my own heart!
SCHIAPARELLI: Wearable Architecture
When I first laid eyes on this collection, I immediately felt that each look acted as architecture for the body. As the models moved down the runway, structures and formations came to life and morphed with each step taken. The color pairings are are pure magic and I'm just loving all the geometric shapes!
DIOR: Fantasy at Play
Haute couture is theatre. It's about making a statement. The creator imagines a women in the piece, pondering where she will go, who she will see and how she feels in it. Here, Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri took us on a journey through a whimsical garden set at the Musee Rodin where her imagination revealed free-flowing, ultra-feminine masterpieces straight out of a modern-day fairytale.
CHANEL: Classic & Current
Last, but certainly not least—Chanel. True to form, Karl Lagerfeld did not disappoint. From meticulous embroidery and unexpected sequin moments to archetypal tweeds and chunky wools, the collection is flawless. Like a beautifully composed song, this couture line really moved me and reiterated for me the importance of making an impact and leaving a lasting impression.