From the dreamiest gowns to bold statement-making designs, we round up the highlights of Haute Couture Week SS19.
Valentino
Behold the collection that brought front row couture rock star Celine Dion to tears. This stunning collection included intricate lace and embroidery, princess gowns and an inclusive cast including Naomi Campbell who closed the show in a beautiful translucent black gown. Duchess satin was twisted to resemble roses and flowers which enveloped over model Adut Akech’s head in a hood shape. The fashion industry couldn’t have asked for more from Pierpaolo Piccioli, Valentino’s Creative Director who won the award for ‘Designer of the Year’ at the Fashion Awards in London last month.
As for the beauty looks; Pat McGrath extended the sumptuousness of couture to the eyes, framing the models with 1960s-esque lashes meticulously created from individual feathers, with each shade of feather dyed to match the garment that the model was wearing.
Elie Saab
Always a firm favourite, Elie Saab’s fantastical dresses never disappoint. This season, there were plenty of the house's trademark embellished sheer showstoppers alongside eighties-inspired taffeta prom dresses and sleek one-shouldered evening gowns. The collection had a chic aquarian theme, with sequins alluding to glittering scales amongst the slinky garments – making the models appear as if they were mermaids gliding down the catwalk.
Giambatista Valii
Valli has designed a series of garments that embody the very soul of Haute Couture. At every turn, the spectator’s eyes are bedazzled by intricate embellishment, assemblages of feathers and ceaseless amounts of ruched tulle. A young silhouette was evident throughout the collection with mini-dresses dominating the catwalk, whilst a hint of YSL inspiration was visible in cocktail dresses for the young sophisticates of couture.
Viktor & Rolf
Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren titled this collection Fashion Statements, perfect for the Instagram age; couture with something to say. From the meme-able ‘Sorry, I’m late, I didn’t want to come’ to a big ‘NO’ (for those who don’t understand consent!) each voluminous dress constructed entirely in brightly hued tulle is haute couture in style, while ironic in statement – ‘No photo’s please’ or ‘less is more’. The designers left it up to the audience to decide what each piece meant for them. I can’t wait to see at least one of these on the red carpet in the upcoming months.
