GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
The beauty behind Giambattista Valli’s collection is not only in the exaggerated grace and femininity but the eclectic and expertly “thrown together” look of each outfit. Inspired by the gloriously rich flowers of the Alhambra Gardens in Spain, Giambattista mixes bright and vibrant floral detailing with clean and crisp shirting. Finishing up with extravagantly full skirts matched with adorable piped pyjama shirts, Giambattista’s show is an eccentric take on haute couture.
ZUHAIR MURAD
At first glance, Zuhair Murad’s collection reads like the story of a Femme Fatale at a cocktail party. However upon further inspection, his inspiration becomes clear; using the undergoing architectural renaissance of Beirut as a reference point, Murad’s slinky gowns are created out of jewellery encrusted waves, macrame and prismatic motifs for an altogether futuristic edge and a cool modernity.
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
Jean Paul Gaultier can always be counted on to bring a spirit of subversiveness to every show. Inspired by traditional monsters such as ghosts and vampires as well as their perhaps more modern counterparts (i.e. Marilyn Manson), this collection is like the very (best) stuff of our nightmares. Ghoulish details like shocking hair and pale makeup are combined with lavish materials and at times cheeky and/or overtly sexy silhouettes for a fantastic Rocky-Horror- Show-meets-Rock-and-Roll appeal.
CHARLIE LE MINDU
Speaking of subversive, there was one show that definitely caught our eye as being a major wild card during Couture Week. Master of Haute Coiffure Charlie Le Mindu is known for his innovative and daring style and his expert ability to combine hair, art and fashion. During Paris Couture Week, fashion lovers got to immerse themselves in these three worlds as he put on an incredible show. Using the naked body as a provocative yet communicative vehicle to showcase not only hair but texture, shape and form (punctuated by the strident cries of EDM and expressive videography), his show kept us riveted till the very end.
Story by Dayana Cadet | KA MAGAZINE