Couture, a thriving and essential aspect of the industry, brings together the best seamstresses with the most creative and innovative design talents to create the signature looks which perfectly encapsulate a designer or brand. Last month we were lucky enough to be invited as guests of couture e-tailer Modewalk.com to experience Paris Fashion Week and take in some of the best haute couture in the world. In the age of fast fashion, when a trend is shown on the catwalk and then trickles down to the masses at lightning speed, the intricate and custom nature of haute couture remains essential in driving creativity.
Armani Prive, left
Bouchra Jarrar
For my first fashion week abroad, I marveled at the spectacular locations, from the ultra lavish Hotel Shangri-La, to the bright and airy space Musée Bourdelle, and the Muséum National d’Histoire in the beautiful and serene Jardin des Plantes.
Maison Martin Margiela
Highlights included Bouchra Jarrar, a former Balenciaga designer who is among the first to bring a Ready-to-Wear sensibility to Couture Week (Raf Simons at Dior followed suit), and Yiqing Yin, showing just her second couture collection, and standing out as one of the more unique and directional designers. I look forward to watching the careers of these exceptional young women thrive.
Versace
Yiqing Yin
Jean Paul Gaultier
Giambattista Valli
For those of you unable to make it to the City of Lights, check out Modewalk to experience some of Paris’ finest ateliers online.
Illustrations by Lotty Rose
