Six captivating moments from Paris Couture Spring-Summer 2024
What's the story
In the whirlwind of today's chaotic world, haute couture fashion may seem out of touch. However, amidst imperfections, Paris Couture Week offered a moment to appreciate beauty. The bi-annual event transformed fashion into an art form, showcasing the boldest ideas from the best designers, meticulously crafted by the world's most skilled artisans. Here's a glimpse into the mesmerizing moments of Spring-Summer 2024.
Pockets
Chanel's practical pocket moment
Chanel's show, brilliantly opened by a beaming Margaret Qualley adorned in an all-white ensemble with a ruff-style collar, brought forth an unexpected yet welcomed addition—pockets in couture. Pockets, a practical element for everyday wear, found their place in the world of couture with delicate interpretations, challenging conventional perceptions and adding a new dimension to elegance.
Robot baby
Schiaparelli's extravagance
While celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya dazzled outside, it was within the confines of Schiaparelli's showcase where true magic unfolded. A robot baby and a dress crafted from "pre-2007 technological artifacts," demanded a closer look. Legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath added to the spectacle by painting models' ears silver and adorning them with jewels, an elaborate process taking three hours per person.
Gravity-defying collars
Gaurav Gupta's no gravity era
At Gaurav Gupta's show, sculptural necklines took center stage, defying gravity with ethereal, architectural creations that are beloved by none other than Beyoncé. Beaded, plissé-style hoods, almost winged gravity-defying collars, and delicate metallic embroidery showcased Gupta's innovation and commitment to standing out in the world of high fashion. It was truly a proud moment for India.
Futurism
Fendi's way into the future
Kim Jones, the artistic director at Fendi, for Paris Couture Week 2024 drew inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld's futurism, creating a collection that seamlessly blended structure and decoration. The runway saw the debut of the "Gems Baguette" bags, featuring 18-carat white gold, platinum leaf, and a diamond pave-encrusted buckle, adding a touch of opulence to the futuristic vision.
Exaggerated silhouettes
Maison Margiela's artistic elegant finesse
Widely lauded as the show of the season and wohooed for it's couture on ramp, Maison Margiela's presentation featured cinched waists, blooming bustles, and dramatically exaggerated silhouettes. John Galliano's unique ability to combine raw deconstruction with elegance and theatricality was on full display, closing the show with actor Gwendoline Christie sauntering down the runway clad in a partially sheer rubber gown.
Color clashing
Valentino's subdued brilliance
Valentino's couture collection, titled "Le Salon," curated by Pierpaolo Piccioli, took a relatively understated approach. Acid hues, color clashing, and sumptuous textures spoke louder than flashy elements. The front row witnessed a touch of razzamatazz with Stormi Webster, Kylie Jenner's five-year-old daughter, making her front row debut, adding a delightful contrast to the understated brilliance on the runway.