London based stylist Katie Felstead argues that spring/summer 2018's haute couture brings with it an entirely new attitude. The couture fantasy is still rife, but as is a tougher, modern edge. Alexandre Vauthier's black trouser suit presents unexpected volume and an amped up mood. Model Dani Witt wears Maison Margiela's glossy leather with aplomb. While Chanel's classic tweed is cherry picked in a fuchsia tone. Complete with a quiff.
The key is in taking the traditional and turning it on its head. Ever fashioning the fairytale, Giambattista Valli, moves away from over-sized, arduous ruffles towards smaller versions with added volume. In a bold move, Felstead styles a soft lemon sheer dress with Off-White shoes and a leather Atsuko Kudo body. Old-school couture meets street-savvy confidence. What could be more unexpected, and quite as exciting?
Photographed by Rui Faria | Styled by Katie Felstead | Art/film director: Liam S. Gleeson | Model: Dani Witt at Next Models | Make-up artist: Alex Babsky at Premier | Hair stylist: Paul Donovan at CLM | Photography assistant: Crusoe Weston | Fashion assistants: Claire Zaquine and Rosie Borgerhoff Mulder | Digital operator: Jennifer Balcombe | Casting director: Dean Goodman | Retouching: Kostas at Postmode | Brand Manager: Kelly Baldwin/MOJEH Production
