Versace and Giorgio Armani have special privileges in the Paris haute couture scene - but also one small drawback. Join us for a look at the designers featured at this year's haute couture fashion show in Paris.
Image: Reuters/B. Tessier
Advertisement
Can you wear that? Paris goes haute couture
Extravagant models and outrageously expensive materials: The Parisian fashion houses are presenting their exclusive haute couture this week. Have a look at their latest collections.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/I. Langsdon
Figure-flattering haute couture
Versace was the first fashion house to present its latest designs earlier this week. The collection "Athletic Couture" by the chief designer, Donatella Versace, showed ergonomic and figure-flattering cuts, refined laces and cut-outs. The Milan-based label has been setting trends since its founding in 1978.
Image: Reuters/G. Fuentes
The new femininity
On Twitter, Versace was describe as being "femininity and dynamics," with "the strength to overcome obstacles." After last year's heated debate on super skinny models in the haute couture industry, Versace has now made a clear statement in their show: The models proudly presented their feminine curves - underlined by the hourglass silhouette of the new collection.
Image: picture alliance/abaca/A. Wyters
Haute couture for you?
In 1953, Dior said, "Haute couture has to stay alive and be adapted to the requirements of the life of a modern woman." In 2016, the fashion house actually presented practical fashion - haute couture for everyday use. Being able to afford it, however, is another matter.
Image: Getty Images/P. Le Segretain
New designers, new look
Dior's girly and slightly pale models no longer presented the wasp waist in the 2016 show, which is otherwise typical of the fashion house. Instead, it showed flowing fabrics with colorful embroidery. It was the house's first big show since the Belgian designer Raf Simons left the company in 2015. The Swiss designer Serge Ruffieux and Lucie Meier have joined since then.
Image: Getty Images/P. Le Segretain
Fashion from the dollhouse
When Karl Lagerfeld stages a show, it is not just any fashion show. This year even the stage was part of the wow factor - a wooden house that looked like a dollhouse. In the individual rooms, models could be seen in new Chanel creations - simple, clear and natural.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/I. Langsdon
The star factor
At Lagerfeld's show for Chanel, celebrities proceeded to exit the dollhouse to present the new collection on the catwalk - including Kim Kardashian's sister Kendall Jenner (above), the Hadid sisters and Edie Campbell. They showed, among other things that the hip bag is hip again - as a discreet holder for smartphones.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/I. Langsdon
6 images1 | 6
From Chanel's glamorous fanny packs for supersized smartphones to figure-flattering cuts from Versace, this year's haute couture in Paris isn't screaming, "Look, don't touch." There's even a slight nod to ergonomics and practicality.
That doesn't make the haute couture fashion event from January 24-28 any less elitist. Not just anyone is allowed to show their work.
The French fashion association, founded in 1973 out of a much older trade union dating back to 1868, who is included in the select circle of haute couture designers - and who is not.
The criteria are very strict and all fashion houses have to reapply each year. Their creations must be handmade unique pieces, and the designers need to have at least 15 tailors working in their studios.
The designers have to create 35 new designs per season in January and July, including both daytime and evening wear. Obligatory is that the company's headquarters have to be in Paris.
This rule, however, has been relaxed for Versace and Giorgio Armani, both from Milan. There's just one drawback for the Italians: They have to be content with the title "couture," without the valuable "haute."
(Haute) couture highlights from 2016
French fashion house Christian Dior epitomizes Parisian chic, innovation and elegance. For decades, the label has shaped the global fashion industry, both with its classic models and spectacular designs. Have a look at their latest collection in the video below.
Versace is famous for its bright colors, opulence and provocative cuts. Donatella Versace, the label's head designer since 1997, presented her latest designs on the first day of the fashion week in Paris.
Karl Lagerfeld became chief designer at Chanel in 1983, following in the footsteps of Coco Chanel's timeless elegance. In the 1920s, the French designer had changed the world of fashion with her "little black dress." Even today, Chanel is still chic.
