Haute Couture Week kicked off on 25 January, giving fans a look at some of the most exquisite Spring/Summer 2021 collections. Among the brands showcasing their creations are Dior, Chanel, Valentino, Armani, and Fendi Couture. Here, we round-up what we’re coveting from the first two days of fashion’s most awaited event.
Italian fashion house Schiaparelli was first on the list. The Maison recently gained media attention after Lady Gaga appeared wearing one of its custom designs at the United States Presidential Inauguration.
Schiaparelli’s show comprised unusual silhouettes and gold statement pieces. Daniel Roseberry, the brand’s creative director, wanted to challenge the idea of couture and offer viewers the chance to explore the human body.
“I want to make an alternative couture house: Here, the fantasy isn’t princess dresses or polite garments; here, the fantasy is within. These are clothes that make you aware of the fact of your body, that make you think about how you move through the world,” Daniel said on Schiaparelli’s website.
Among the centerpieces were a long dress made from 100,000 Swarovski crystals, custom-molded golden brass mask, oversized bows, and personalized bustiers.
French luxury maison Dior invited viewers into a magical world with the film Le Château du Tarot, directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone.
Creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, was inspired by Italo Calvino’s novel The Castle of Crossed Destinies and decided to use the 15th century Visconti-Sforza tarot decks as the foundation for her enchanting designs. The set includes glittering embroideries, luscious fabrics, abstract silhouettes, and golden accents.
Italian fashion designer Giambattista Valli was all about volume in his newest collection. To sum it up: big gowns, ruffled skirts, oversized accessories, bows and feathers.
The film features models accompanied by a male ballet dancer who seeks to take the viewers on a journey of the mind as he unveils new emotions and memories. The collection is inspired by the Spanish city of Seville, where Hispanic and Islamic cultures blend in.
Chanel’s anticipated show featured some of the brand’s ambassadors such as Penélope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Vanessa Paradis, and Lily-Rose Depp.
For the new collection, the Maison’s creative director Virginie Viard transformed the venue to evoke the charm of a joyous occasion, such as a countryside wedding or a family celebration.
With masculine and feminine silhouettes, flower crowns, chiffon dresses, and colorful embroideries, the Chanel show is definitely one to remember.
Italian fashion house Valentino took a minimalist route this season with simple yet unique pieces.
Long silhouettes and soft colors were brought to life with exaggerated metallic platform heels and bold makeup. The brand celebrates couture as a timeless phenomenon and offered viewers a look into a classic wardrobe that’s open to endless artistic possibilities.
Valentino’s show ‘Code Temporal’, was virtually revealed at Rome’s Galleria Colonna, Sala Grande.
Alexandre Vauthier’s latest collection is giving us major disco vibes.
With sequins, ruffles, metallic accents, and leather, the French fashion designer is an expert when it comes to effortless glamor.
Filmed in an underground Parisian club, his designs are for a woman who is sure to have fun and rule the dance floor.
Armani Privé’s collection ‘Omaggio a Milano’ pays tribute to the Italian city, rich in history and the brand’s home since 1975. The set is presented at Palazzo Orsini, which dates back to the 17th century and became Armani’s headquarters in 1996.
Visuals via Armani website.
In his show, the designer reinvents the pantsuit and gives the silhouette a glamorous touch. The collection also includes sequins and micro-crystals that shine throughout the presentation, highlighting the brand’s expert craftsmanship.
In line with the current health and safety measures implemented in France, brands are not allowed to showcase their collections in front of a live audience. The shows can be streamed online across various platforms or on the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode website.
