It’s that time of the year again when the fashion world is abuzz with activity. There’s an exciting line-up of Fashion Shows in store for us, kick-started by the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring 2016.
And what a week it was! The most exclusive fashion brands showcased their Spring collections’ in the sartorially-charged environs of beautiful Paris. The events were held from January 24 – 29 and the who’s-who of the fashion world were there to attend them all. I followed all the news from the Paris Haute Couture Week 2016 very closely, because, well, I just couldn’t stay away from the glitz and glamour!
The collections of fashion giants like Chanel, Dior, Armani and Versace made quite an impression as usual. Their clothes were dramatic, striking and typically OTT, making a bold, beautiful statement with much panache. Jean Paul Gaultier’s display also garnered much attention with its emphasis on flashy, hippy styles of retro nightclubbing.
But my favourites were the collections by Valentino, Viktor & Rolf and Elie Saab. They stood out above the rest and left a lasting impression on their audiences. Valentino’s line reinvented 20th-century Venetian-pagan romanticism in some fabulous apparel, catering to modern fashion sensibilities and lovers of classics alike. Most of their outfits were floor-length pieces embellished with sequins, velvet-detailing and sheer bodices in warm, royal hues.
While Valentino achieved a fine balance of classicism and novelty, Viktor & Rolf remained true to their avant gardeism and captivated the audience with their outrageous clothing. Heaving influenced by Cubist artistry, they presented an interesting spin on conventional styles, using 3D construction and stunning pattern-work. One may doubt the wearability of this collection, but its brilliant conceptualization is simply undeniable.
I have to say though, even as I enjoy the occasional wacky collection, I have a weakness for uber-feminine, delicate styles. Naturally, my favourite collection from the entire show was the magnificent line by Elie Saab. Oh, I could go on and on about his “Enter India” collection and still feel I didn’t do it justice. Saab admitted to being inspired by the notion of a 19th century Englishwoman on a trip to India. His line up featured unique accessories such as lace-up combat boots, sequined Wellies, studded creepers and elaborate belt bags. There were also some exquisite beaded dresses with above-the-ankle hemlines. But the opulent floor-length gowns are what stole the show. In metallic shades with exquisite embroidery and glittery embellishments, these gowns combined the elementary lines of western clothing with the royal splendour of Indian lehengas. I love fusion styles, so naturally, my favourite piece was an ivory-golden gown with a flowy, head-covering train.
In the end, I can only say that I thoroughly enjoyed this Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. I believe that this brilliant start is a precursor to the wonderful fashion output 2016 is to bring to us. And these were just my favourites – I love to hear from you about what you loved from this show too!
