paris haute couture week
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By Rachel Strobel
he morning light in Paris was perfectly pink outside as I arrived at the Xuan fashion house. Instantly taken in by the genuine and warm nature of the designer, I could easily see how her honesty had influenced her collection. Apparent in her designs is this integrity, translating her unique perspective and passion as an artist. Each piece is strong in design. With a relatively small collection, Xuan is focused on showcasing pieces that represent her skill as an artist. “Everything is separate and represents something that I feel or think about…I prefer to have pieces that are strong.” Her quality over quantity speaks volumes. Asymmetry, originality, quality and softness define her collection.
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ulien Fournié had shades of reds, oranges, pinks, black, purple and yellows walk confidently down the runway. This collection was both structured and playful with impeccable movement of the luxurious fabrics. Seen in the collection is the designer’s preference for modern 3D design elements, a defining feature with delicate silk organzas and 3D form appliques. The collection, architectural in nature, showed more angled lines and shapes juxtaposed with flirty dropped waist dresses. Julien Fournié’s aesthetic is perfect for an edgy, sexy woman who appreciates impeccable fit and detail.
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ony Ward’s collection was a high point in the week. As always, his work was sophisticated and surprising. I could not stop staring at the beautiful sleeves and ornate detailing that donned almost every piece. Gorgeous feminine florals were a defining feature of this summer line. As the collection progressed, more structured silhouettes were paired with layered sheers, creating a symphony of sophistication. There was so much visual texture to drink in from smooth luxury to all the detail one girl could handle. A surprise of metallic appeared in the show and fit the flow perfectly while adding a touch of the modern with a romper complete with flowing over-skirt in a bold bronze. Though there were many divine pieces in the collection. The movement was exquisite and the construction, perfection.
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he excitement for the unveiling of the Georges Chakra SS 2017 collection was palpable in the room, and the show did not disappoint. A favorite in couture, Georges Chakra stayed
true to his passion for impeccable detail. For the strong and feminine, each dress oozed elegance as the models walked the runway. Layered silhouettes with impeccable beadwork and embroidery graced the collection. Each piece was meticulously designed, and to each detail great attention was paid. With a graceful transition from piece to piece, the collection was both elegant and modern, transitioning from whites to pale pinks and blues to pale yellows and purples. A high point of the show with the most applause was a fitted white dress with modern layers creating a flowing skirt. The dress was cut with a high neck in front, a scoop back and showcased the fine points of femininity and strength of a woman. Any piece from this collection could be a star at the right event.
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his was Galia Lahav’s first time on the runway at Paris Haute Couture Week and she did not hold back. The spring/summer 2017 collection show was titled Victorian Affinity, and the label was true to form with the loads of lace and illusion, sheer fabrics and dimension. Splashes of red were sprinkled throughout the show. Corsets, delicate fringe from the sleeves, and high collared necks were all present in the collection hearkening another era, yet it was complete with hi-lo skirts, and of course the plunging necklines that are so indicative of the designer.
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alph & Russo’s show opened with an off the shoulder gown with gold detail in an over skirt that extended from the bust line to floor. Each and every dress had immaculate embroidery, flourishes and beading. It was difficult to choose a favorite gown because there were so many amazing pieces. The designer took the ordinary and offered little twist, like an over skirt that was parted in the back instead of the front, offering an inverted V that showed a mini skirt underneath. There was a very strong 20s and 30s theme, very flapper Gatsby, but with elements that made each piece Ralph & Russo. There were many items that could be worn for a wedding or a black tie affair. The progression of the show built up to the finale gown which was revealed as the model walked through a door at the start of the runway. The gorgeous white gown had a flowered lace bodice and full-skirt covered in embroidery and beading. It was complete with a feathered cape with a train. This dress completed the week for me.
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