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Warming up for next month’s fashion weeks, we have the couture shows. Haute Couture has seen something of a renaissance in recent years. Once seen as old and dowdy, the couture shows are now jam packed with glamour. Not available for the masses (cocktail dresses start at around £50,000) the couture shows are purely for day-dreamers.
Versace
Paris Couture Week was kicked off by Versace, who showed their first couture collection since 2004. Diane Kruger and Cameron Diaz had front row seats, and model Karlie Kloss took to the runway first. It was a boutique collection of 15 looks, all evening wear with the signature Versace vibe – lots of lace, leather and beading in silver, lime green and tangerine orange. A full length bead encrusted dress with sheer lace panels looks like it weighs more than the model. It also comes in a long-sleeved version with futuristic shoulders. A leather laser cut brocade dress is very special indeed, plus there are leather shorts and plenty of corsetry.
Christian Dior
At Christian Dior, designed by Bill Gayton, the audience were treated to a nostalgic nod to the fifties and the original New Look era. Beautiful day dresses, dogtooth checks and waisted pencil skirts provided a timeless silhouette. Transparent voile was used to create dream-like wrap dresses, blouses and full skirts. Full length evening gowns were teamed with long gloves and huge ball gowns were embellished with beading, layering, pleats and ruffles. Black, white and red created a strong colour palette.
Alexis Mabille
