My First Paris Haute Couture Week

I started fashion month a bit early this season by attending Haute Couture week in Paris! This is where so many iconic luxury labels showcase their Spring/Summer 2019 couture ranges and it was my first time attending. As per usual my schedule was filled with meetings, presentations and shows. I compiled and summarized some of my favorite shows you may have missed from the week, I’m seriously still in awe at how gorgeous the collections were this season!

Kenzo

My first show of the week was Kenzo! Kenzo had a co-ed fall ’19 show, with both mens and womenswear. Designer Humberto Leon, took inspiration from her Chinese-Peruvian heritage and 19th century South American, Chinese immigrants. The runway was filled with bright psychedelic color and pattern. I loved all the texture in the women’s collection from the faux fur, fringe and fuzzy knits.

Paul Smith

Following Kenzo, I attended another co-ed show, Paul Smith. He described his collection as “country comes to town,” which was exactly how the collection felt. I was obsessed with the colorful coats for both men and women and the color-blocked knit sweaters and neon turtlenecks. As you know, I love structured pieces and the collection contained riding jackets along with statement suits and blazers. Many of the pieces were gender neutral and layered outwear was a huge trend.

IRIS VAN HERPEN

The Iris van Herpen spring “19 show was beyond incredible, the designer literally lit up the runway! The entire collection was inspired by the future, so think galaxy, celestial maps, astrology and outer space. The models wore 3-D printed face jewelry and glow-in-the-dark heels (which I think I need haha). The dresses within the collection were almost like sculptures, very voluminous and cloud-esque. I loved how the collection was inspired by the future, where many designers pull inspo from the past. It was such an incredible show!

GEORGES HOBEIKA

Marie Antoinette and the Palace of Versailles were the main sources of inspiration for designer, Georges Hobeika. The collection was timeless and filled with what felt like history from 18th Century France. Embellished frilly skirts, gorgeous ball-gowns, corset-tops and sparkling jumpsuits filled the runway. Each piece was so intricate and had so much detailing. I loved the romantic, pastel-like color palette of the collection. The off-white wedding gown, which was the final look, was a jaw dropping close to the show.

MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ

Easy and clean silhouettes were an obvious theme with Maison Rabih Kayrouz’s collection. The designer was inspired by Middle East-meets-West aesthetic. The gold mesh pieces were my favorite! One piece was structured like a pullover sweater and another resembled chainmail that melded to the body. I really loved all the contrasting pieces within the collection, the open front slits and zig-zagged cuts while everything was still clean and minimal.

ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

Another standout show of the week was Alexandre Vauthier, who is known for his French-flavored glamour. He was inspired by the very essence of French couture: le chic Parisien absolu. The idea of having ultra-chic clothes with an amazing fit, which took many hours to create but that doesn’t look too exuberant. Some of the pieces were 60s-inspired, short pouf skirts, micro dresses and taffeta bows while other pieces had more masculine and feminine details. Ruffles were a big trend throughout the collection and I loved inventive collars/sleeves and of course the tailored pantsuits. Celine Dion also attended the show!

RONALD VAN DER KEMP

Upcycled fabrics filled the runway at the Ronald van der Kemp show, the designer was inspired by couture and giving a second chance to used fabrics. All the fabrics were very limited edition as the printed mousselines were bought at a former French mill. The show was a completely upcycled collection, so each look was very different. My favorite looks included an evening dress with a spray of pleats and the cape that ended the show. I thought the entire collection was so unique and love the idea of limited edition pieces that can’t be recreated.

JEAN PAUL Gaultier

A nautical, around-the-world journey was the theme for Jean Paul Gaultier’s show. Puff sleeved tops, striped tank tops and classic suiting pinstripes were some of my favorite trends within his collection. Many of the dresses resembled seashells and jackets inspired by shark fins. The final look was a show stopper, which was a gorgeous blue dress made from paper parasols. I was obsessed!!

ZUHAIR MURAD

This season it seemed like sea life was a huge inspiration to many designers as Zuhair Murad was inspired by underwater life. Many of the silhouettes were 80s-inspired and filled with beautiful embellishments. Blue was a standout color of the collection and I loved the dresses with the high slit sides, sequined tulle and embroidered corals tying into the sea life theme without being too over the top. Such a stunning collection that made me re-fall in love with blue.

VIKTOR&ROLF

Viktor&Rolf ended Couture Week with a memeingful collection to say the least! The couture collection contained beautiful, tulle gowns with well known memes written on the dresses. There was a dress to fit every mood haha from “I’m not shy, I just don’t like you” to “sorry I’m late I didn’t want to come”. Every dress was better than the last and I loved the statement dresses. I’m already excited to see what the designers have in store for next season!