Aside from the usual fashion week round-up post, sometimes I’m so moved by a collection, or two, or three, that I want to focus on them in more depth. The Paris Haute Couture collections that I fell in love with from start to finish were Jean Paul Gaultier, Ulyana Sergeenko and Valentino.
I would assume this has a lot to do with my own personal style, which is why certain collections speak to me more than others. This is true for everyone as we all have different perspectives and expectations that may seem to mesh perfectly with the designers inspirations behind his or her designs.
Jean Paul Gaultier brought out the Indian gypsy that demands to be noticed. The collection was colorful and voluminous – each piece was distinct in its own way, but together created a cohesive message. Gaultier gave us everything and reminded us that he is a talented designer who knows how to change with the times.
The opening look, a belted amethyst and brown plissé jersey gown, was borderline boho-chic, just the way I like it. Don’t be fooled though, these ladies were styled to the finest detail, living up to their “haute couture” expectations.
Ulyana Sergeenko took us away from reality to a land filled with fantasy and adventure. Sergeenko told Harper’s BAZAAR, “The collection is inspired by well-known novels, among them the American classics such as Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Headless Horseman etc. The muse of the collection is Scarlett O’Hara, especially when played by Vivien Leigh in the famous Hollywood adaptation.”
Perhaps it was the the modern fair-maiden look that appealed to me or the sexy gowns that made the wicked witch look fashion-forward, but I found myself easily whisked away into the land of make-believe. It was quite heavy for a spring collection, but I could forget that as the Wonderland theme was light-hearted enough to make up for it.
Valentino. Creative directors Maria Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli brought Italian elegance to Paris for Valentino. The delicate nature of each design was effortlessly sculpted into a breathtaking collection of gowns in various silhouettes and shades of white, red, and black. The floral theme of the week was evident here as well in a serene and seemingly meticulous fashion. It was a beautiful, clean and well-executed collection that Mr. Valentino Garavani himself was proud of.
Photos by Giovanni Giannoni, WWD
