Paris Haute Couture Week 2023 kickstarted with Couture Week regulars Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Iris Van Herpen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino and Fendi dominating the stage.
We are now streaming Valentino “Un Château,” Pierpaolo Piccioli’s latest Couture show, live from the Château de Chantilly.
#ValentinoUnChateau#ValentinoHauteCouture https://t.co/zmKaE0ZGjr— Valentino (@MaisonValentino) July 5, 2023
For the unaware, the Paris Haute Couture Week is a platform for artistic expression, one that establishes trends and pushes the boundaries of fashion. The prestigious event, which occurs twice a year, also sees haute couture designers bringing their artistic brilliance to the week-long gathering. This year, designers presented their collections through elaborate runway shows, often incorporating innovative designs, intricate handwork and luxurious fabrics.
So, without further ado, here’s a round-up of the best moments we witnessed at the Paris Haute Couture Week 2023
The Best Moments at the Paris Haute Couture Week 2023
Schiaparelli
… AND THE ARTISTS.#Schiaparelli Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023-2024 by #DanielRoseberry unveiled at the opening of Haute Couture Week at Petit Palais in Paris. pic.twitter.com/lI26pty3X9
— Schiaparelli (@Schiaparelli) July 4, 2023
Paris Haute Couture Week 2023 was opened by Schiaparelli, with creative director Daniel Roseberry showcasing his latest extravaganza collection. He debuted 30 looks that revolved around the concept of genuine art. One of the focal points of this collection was International Klein Blue, a hue originally created by the French artist Yves Klein.
Models walked the runway in balloon gowns, asymmetrical skirts, classic little black dresses, coats and bejewelled pieces that were paired with statement gold accessories such as massive belts, earrings and necklaces.
Thom Browne
At Thom Browne, the colour grey took centerstage alongside a focus on silhouettes.
This collection introduced a couture line that combines an American sports-inspired aesthetic with variations of Thom Browne’s grey suits and coats, all of which featured slim silhouettes. We also saw patchwork checks embroidered with silver and gold sequined stripes on short suits, coats and feathered bodysuits. The designs featured also incorporated dramatic a-lines and different textures such as tweed and pinstripes. All in all, Thom Browne brought an American aesthetic and lots of drama to Paris’ Haute Couture Week 2o23.
Balenciaga
Balenciaga presented its 52nd Couture Collection at the 2023 Paris Haute Couture Week.
In menswear, creative director Demna Gvasalia had models walk down the runway in well-tailored suits with a heavy focus on silhouettes, denim co-ord sets, blazers, puffer jackets and relaxed long flowy coats. The collection also paid tribute to what Balenciaga Couture represents by showcasing pantsuits, crystal and pearl embellished gowns, and classic black gowns with a structure of a coat.
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Iris Van Herpen
Is it even couture week if Iris Van Herpen doesn’t wow us with her runways? Well, this year too, Iris Van Herpen grabbed our attention with a remarkable array of artistic creations that were part of her Haute Couture Fall 2023 collection. This collection was dubbed Architectonics and was inspired by the concept of aquatic architecture.
The couture collection envisions a future where floating cities and groundbreaking design principles shape a new kind of attire for individuals who inhabit both land and sea. As such, we saw dynamic and futuristic pieces embracing unique patterns and structures taking over sheer gowns.
Rahul Mishra
At Fall/Winter 2023 Haute Couture Week, Indian designer Rahul Mishra went for classic bling and paid an ode to his talented artisans, tailors and craftsmen. His exciting collection saw a plethora of detailed and hand-embroidered pieces such as gowns and sarees.
As a gesture of appreciation, Mishra personally invited his master craftsman, Afzal Zariwala, to Paris and provided him with a prominent role on the show’s set.
Charles De Vilmorin
Charles De Vilmorin, one of the youngest fashion designers at the Haute Couture Week, has been the talk of the town with his gender-fluid silhouettes. Usually, couture has (foolishly) been seen as a more feminine concept, however, the designer has different plans up his sleeve and is turning couture into a unisex bonanza. For his Fall/Winter 2023 collection, we saw graphical jackets, leather trousers and open blazers dominating the stage.
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(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy Instagram/Charles de Vilmorin and Rahul Mishra)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Designers such as Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, Valentino, Fendi, Dior and Chanel are known for their Haute Couture designs.
Answer: Haute couture is custom-made, high-end fashion created with high craftsmanship, whereas ready-to-wear clothes are mass-produced and more accessible.
