A quick glance at some of Instep’s favourite collections from Paris Couture Week, keeping a vibrant red element in mind for the festive season up ahead…
Elie SaabShining Swarovski crystals and glowing pearls were illuminated by nine chandeliers over the catwalk, lending Elie Saab’s Fall 2014 outing an ethereal shine. There was hardly a dress that wasn’t illuminated and while Saab’s designs are never really fashion forward, they do excel in creating a brand of well-designed, expensive couture that his wealthy clients love.
ChanelKarl Lagerfeld, who’s conceptualized icebergs, secret gardens and huge supermarkets for his shows, minimalized things this time. His inspiration was images of a Thirties apartment by the architect of Modernism, a fireplace being focal point. As a result this Chanel show glowed with imagination: here a dress with burning red threads woven through; there a silvered gown, as if grey ash were being fanned back to life. Those ash colours were in every shade from concrete to metallic, with evening outfits dense with decoration.
Jean Paul GaultierWhen it comes to experimentation in couture, you needn’t go further than Gaultier, who showed a devilishly vampish collection at fashion week. But beneath all that blood was some very strong design; all you had to do was wash off the blood and there were plenty fashion codes of the designer, scissored round the body like second skin.
Maison Martin MargielaDelightfully artistic and non-conformist, Margiela’s interlocking fabrics and deconstructed ideas lent so much to the possible evolution of couture. Not everyone’s cup of tea? That’s okay; we prefer fashion that has attitude and individuality. This is how the ordinary is turned into exceptional!
