Fashion Capital - Paris Haute Couture Week

Paris Haute Couture Week

By Helen Batstone

We were given a treat last week, when we saw some of our favourite designers revealing their Spring/Summer 2010 collections during Paris couture week. The prevailing theme for these shows incorporated romance, from which the designers took two routes. Many were inspired by vintage glamour; using fantasy frills, exquisite lace and soft florals. Others followed a more Sci-fi approach, designing geometric, avant-garde pieces.

Following the men's ready-to-wear shows, couture week kicked-off on the 24^th January by a newcomer to this event. And Josephus Thimister certainly knew how to catch our attention! The first half of the collection showed his models walking on in a multitude of bloody, ripped garments and military influences. Keeping to his title of "Bloodshed and Opulence", a stream of shimmering gowns closely followed. Never did I think that such extremes could be placed together on a catwalk, but whatever you thought of his collection, it was definitely eye-catching and distinct!

Images from the Telegraph

Another unusual scene was seen at this years' show when Anne Valerie Hash revealed her collection to be completely formed by donations of peoples' clothing. Perhaps she had the best idea considering today's economic climate! Despite this, she did not disappoint, transforming ballet shoes into gloves, as well as Pete Doherty's military jacket to name but a few. Unfortunately, the garments were not designed to be sold, as she is only a small business. However, take a look at her fresh ready-to-wear collection, where you'll be sure to find something you like.

Images from the Telegraph

One shape that will stay with us after this couture week is the crescent moon, which was the focal point for Armani's show. This simple shape shone in the spotlight time and again, appearing as pins on jackets, the form of bags, and pendants of necklaces. It really could not be missed, seeing as this shape hung across the backdrop of the catwalk, adding to the romance of the collection. Armani also emphasised the 1940s silhouette, with nipped in waists and many skirt-suits. Another item to note from this collection is his ‘ergonomic pants', which take on a new shape; tightly fitted but flaring slightly at the ankle.

Finally, I cannot go without mentioning the show of the Elie Saab label. Elie Saab produced another beautiful collection for the couture week, using a palette of coffee, rose, and flesh tones. These pastel colours are set to be a huge trend for this year's spring and summer. The intricate details on the dresses are going to make Elie Saab hard to resist when the stars of the red carpet choose their outfits. And I have no doubt that if one of his dresses is worn to an awards ceremony; it will be the next "it" dress.

Photo by Ammar Abd Rabbo/ABACAPRESS.COM

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By Helen Batstone.

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