THE MOST BRILLIANT DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS FROM PARIS COUTURE WEEK'S RUNWAY

While Paris Couture Week started off rocky with the ‘extra’ fringe-y shows at fancy locations, the show wrapped up with some serious and purely brilliant design work by the well-known fashion houses like Chanel, Valetino, Givenchy, among others. As promised in the mandatory fashion scoop of the Paris show, we have kept an eye out for all things best and have handpicked the most iconic collections from dozens of fashion walks. Read on to find which one can fill your new favourite autumn-winter wardrobe!

Chanel | First up is Chanel, where everything classic came with a spin. We loved an outerwear coat in blue with the brand’s recognisable oversized button. Chanel is bringing back Houndstooth but with a bit of sparkly embellishments and vibrant pops of colours. What stood out even more? The library backdrop setting for the show at the Grand Palais!

Photo credits: Business of Fashion

Dior | Next up is another forever-favourite fashion house Dior. The show surprised onlookers with a thought-provoking question, “Are Clothes Modern?” on a model’s graphic dress coming from a house which has undoubtedly redefined fashion for women from several decades with their unparallel take on modernized silhouettes. The show progressed with goth influences and black ruled the runway at Paris Montaigne in the form of fishnet, tulle, see-through net, and even the makeup! Maria Grazia Chiuri indeed took Monsieur Dior’s words “I could write a book about black” and ran the entire showcase with it.

Photo credits: Dior

Givenchy | Lots of designers employed feathers and ruffles at the Couture week for the added oomph but no one did it quite like Givenchy - they didn’t even shy away from referencing real flora and fauna and ‘Noblesse Radicale’ designed by Claire Waight Keller presented looks after looks with feathers in colours of spring flowers. She dedicated the beautiful show to the Givenchy family. The mandate is clear though, we will be expecting loads of feather coming fall.

Photo credits: Harper’s Bazaar

Iris Van Herpen | What the Dutch design genius presented this Couture Week was no less than pure art and this time it was in the shape of sea creatures! The sculptural details looked much like gills and the exaggerated sleeves seemed quite inspired by fins. We’ll say, this collection is meant for you if you are a water baby!

Photo credits: Yahoo News

Elie Saab | Elie Saab’s show on Wednesday used the symbolism of China. The Lebanese designer channeled Chinese drawings of nature, mythical creatures, and divine characters in the form of sequins, paillettes, and sparkles. The couture represented the powerful protective spirit of the East. Season after season, Ellie Saab has brought us the magical romance of cinched waist gowns, sexy silhouettes, velvet, tulle, and chiffon. This time, with a side of Asian music!

Photo credits: Elie Saab

Valentino | Valentino’s show was a star-studded affair featuring Paltrow, Dion, Naomi Campbell, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, the house of Valentino presented a unique rendition of all things organic through floral and bird-shaped embroideries, ethnic fringes, crystals, gold baubles, and sections that seemed to grow out of dresses and headpieces.

Photo credits: WWD

Jean Paul Gaultier | Jean Paul Gaultier is known to stir some humour to break the seriousness of couture shows. This season, with a little help from screenwriter Raphael Ciotti, his show notes included look titles including "Downtown Abyss," "Black Panther," "Grey of Thrones,"  "Mein Hair," etc. He continued to be the showman with fur hats, bright colours, customary big shoulders, and retro belts - all this reminded us of a bird carnival parade!

Photo credits: WWD

Here’s to looking forward to all the magic the next round of fashion week is going to bring in September! Until then, we have our autumn-winter looks ready.