That’s Haute: Paris Fashion Week 2019
The end of January showcased a multitude of artistic evolution and exuberance with Paris’ Haute Couture Spring and Summer 2019 Fashion Week. This was an opportunity for designers to provide themselves and others an escape from reality, presenting imaginative, abstract and eccentric garments that demonstrate the abilities of fashion design as artistry. Offering an array of innovative and groundbreaking collections, four shows in particular proved unforgettable in their ability bridge the gap between modern and classic design:
Valentino
Beautiful, elegant, expensive and lush are all words that come to mind when trying to describe what was the jaw dropping exhibition of Valentino’s Spring 2019 Haute Couture collection by Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Piccioli presented a modern interpretation of classic shapes and prints of the 60s and 70s, resulting in a series of both exuberant and structured garments. Ethereal floral prints, captivating bold hues and bright iridescent fabrics all adorned by a diverse and inclusive casting of models featuring more than 30 women of color. The show posed a contemporary version of everything textbook haute couture.
Easily one of the most captivating and memorable shows of the week, Piccioli presented an experience that provides an optimistic view of the opportunities of haute couture with beautiful embrace of classical design and elegance.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwCkCk6dHoA
Viktor & Rolf
Easily one of the most noteworthy shows of the week was Viktor and Rolf’s both humorous and artistic exhibition of statement-worthy gowns.
Each couture gown exhibits both a flamboyant silhouette and vibrant color adorned with a bold slogan. Gowns featuring statements such as “I’m not shy I just don’t like you” and “Sorry I’m late I didn’t want to come” quickly flooded social media as the subject of various amusing interpretations of the quotes.
Capitalizing on the recent engagement of fashion houses with popular culture, this show has taken the flamboyance of today’s millennial discourse onto the runway and resulted in a relevant artistic expression of today’s society.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aook_jC2Wxc
Givenchy
Recently designing the dress worn byMeghan Markle’s on her wedding day, Givenchy’s creative director, Claire Wright Keller delivered a fresh, crisp and structured haute couture collection for Spring 2019.
The show opens with latex leggings, or the "Piece De Resistance." Offered in various floral, lace and embellished variations throughout the show, each pair was perfectly tailored to create the illusion of a second skin. This display further verifyied Givenchy's atelier as one of the most skillful in haute couture.
Followed by subtle floor length gowns showcasing refined silhouettes, feathers, elaborate fringe and an interesting incorporation of statement winged backpacks, it was undoubtedly an innovative move for haute couture.
Above all, this collection presented White-Keller’s ability to push in both innovative and sellable directions affirming haute couture as wearable art.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3e7SOcnAsDw
Iris Van Hurpen
Iris Van Hurpen gracefully pulled her futuristic work down to earth bringing together traditional materials and colors combined with unique shapes and silhouettes, creating a show that was powerful, moving and significant.
Easily the most memorable pieces of the show where the series of 3D printed face masks, exhibiting the artistic opportunities of modern technology. Experiments with various multi-dimensional silhouettes, structures and intricate laser cut fabrics defines this show as an look into the future of artistic expression and craftsmanship within haute couture.
Building upon her repertoire of unforgettable haute couture exhibitions, Van Hurpen has unveiled a promising and exciting relationship between conventional and innovative design.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TOSUXlhYGg
Imogen Corker is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ohmigen@gmail.com.
