Haute Couture is the highest expression of art; each stitch and design is meticulously placed. The runway concepts share the story of these hand-crafted pieces, adding to the beauty of this event. Haute Couture is also known as “high fashion” so it’s only appropriate that the City of Lights is the location for a week of mastery craftsmanship and exquisite displays of talent. Paris Couture Week unveils AW and SS collections bi-annually, meaning we get to witness double the sartorial excellence.
Here’s what’s ahead for Paris Couture Week 2024!
Everything you need to know about High Fashion’s Hottest Week
Not to be confused with Paris Fashion Week, Paris Couture Week is a separate occasion. It promises three stellar days of excellence, frivolity, and sometimes, interesting fashion choices. If you didn’t know about it, now you do. We’re going to cover the history, the highs and the hottest designs of haute couture.
What is the Paris Couture Week?
Paris Couture Week is a bi-annual display of leading atelier's hand-made creations. Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter shows take place each year. The FHCM decides the attendees, who is eligible for the title and the dates of the events. The couture circuit is the pinnacle of fashion, allowing those with the savoir-faire to exhibit their talents. Each runway display is an intricate work of art, interweaving themes into both the fabric and stage designs. And each house interprets art differently, which is part of the allure of this high-status week.
History of Paris Couture Week
Tracing back to the early 19th century, the first haute couture house was established by Charles Worth in Paris, paving the way for the extravagant event that was to follow. By exclusively presenting his collections to those in the upper social echelons, Worth revolutionized how fashion itself was perceived. Surprisingly, the “father” of high fashion is of English origin but the original Couture House (The House of Worth) was founded in 1858 at 7, Rue de la Paix, Paris. The tradition began with invitation-only salon shows, where unique collections were divulged.
The term cannot just be applied to any run-of-the-mill fashion house; it’s a legally protected concept by the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.To be considered Haute Couture, the criteria outlined in 1945 by the FHCM (then Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture) must be met. A couturier must be Paris-based and have at least 20 artisans employed. No less than 25 original garments must be showcased twice a year (January and June) and custom garments should be routinely made for private clients. A fashion house is eligible to apply for the prestigious title if they have been invited to present their work for four consecutive years.
When does Paris Couture Week happen?
Luckily, Paris Couture Week takes place bi-annually. The Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer editions are showcased each January and June. Spring/Summer runs from January 22-25 2024 while the Autumn/Winter collection takes centre-stage from June 24-27 2024.
What Is See now, buy now?
The concept of See now buy now (SNBN) was heralded as an innovative model in 2016. Previously, there was a 6-month waiting period between debuting collections on the runway and their retail. This retail cycle innovation marks a departure from traditional in-season fashion shows, where collections are presented months before they are available to the public. See now buy now fulfils the consumer’s desire to see a product, order and own it, offering instant gratification.
However, designers such as Henry Mugler, Thomas Ford and Ralph Lauren have eschewed the See now buy now model in recent years.
How to get invited to Paris Couture Week?
Similar to Paris Fashion Week, invitations to the prestigious event are reserved for industry professionals, journalists and celebrities. It is invite-only, meaning that A-listers are the priority. Don’t let that get you down; there are unmissable places and fashion scenes to explore in the vibrant city.
Fashion designers who attended Paris Couture Week
The list for AW edition includes members and guest members such as Alexis Mebille, Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Chanel, Ellie Saab, Giorgio Armani Privé, Jean Paul Gaultier, Maison Sara Chraibi, Schiaparelli, Thom Browne and many more.
When we talk about art, the House of Schiaparelli springs to mind. Their recent spectacle intertwined fashion and technology lent a futuristic feel. And if you haven’t seen their jaw-dropping Robotic Baby moment, this is your sign to watch it! The Swarovski-laden toddle figure was made of glittering green and silver electronic panels and was the perfect addition to the model’s white monochrome look.
Next, Maison Margiela positively stole the show with its haunting beautiful and surreal collection. Pat McGrath’s porcelain doll makeup and the exploration of various silhouettes created an otherworldly and eerily beautiful catwalk. John Galliano’s whimsical show was the name on everybody’s lips, long after the week had closed.
To add to an already unforgettable SS show, Balenciaga’s artistic director Demna, spoke about the value of creativity in the world’s current state. Stating that “ creativity has become a secret form of luxury”, he unleashed a collection of distinct and captivating designs.
Best-dressed celebrities at 2024 Paris Couture Week
Stars did not disappoint as they descended the fashion capital. Sporting unique and eye-catching pieces, they truly know how to capture the essence of high fashion. Here are some of our favourites.
Zendaya
Zendaya revealed her new style on arrival at the Fendi’s showcase. Her sleek bun and stark bangs outlined her face and high cheekbones perfectly. Wearing a deep plum bodycon gown, it reflected her auburn locks. The floor-length design featured opera glove-esque sleeves, which elevated the look. The starlet also shone when she arrived at the Schiaparelli show, revealing a spectacular all-black ensemble. This form-fitting statement piece embraced the dramatics with its coiling black train and button braids trailing from her shoulders to forearms.
Rihanna
Rihanna made her eagerly awaited return to Paris, with another striking all-black piece. The Christian Dior monochrome ensemble did not disappoint however as the Fenty mogul added her interpretation of the house’s iconic skirt suit. Coupled with a cinching black narrow belt and newsboy cap, she breathed Rude Boy life into a potentially plain look.
Kim Kardashian, Kylie and Kris Jenner
Kim Kardashian, Kylie and Kris proved that three is the magic number at the Maison Margiela’s showcase. Each gave a nod to their unique and individual style.
Kris Jenner exuded matriarch when she wore a sleek, oversized black suit paired with scrunched black leather gloves. As customary, Kim wowed when she flaunted a dramatic bodycon cut. The floor-length forest green piece was adorned with circular cutouts, adding another layer to her classic silhouette. She pulled the look together with an adorned, statement silver choker that travelled from her neck to decolletage.
In contrast to Kris and Kim, Kylie Jenner opted for an incandescent look with a semi-sheer dress, decorated with sequins. Her hands were wrapped in gossamer-thin gloves to add an ethereal element to the look.
Jennifer Lopez
After turning heads in Schiaparelli for the Met Gala, Jennifer Lopez arrived in Paris wearing another shining example of Haute Couture. Wearing a simple yet contrasting palette of black and white, it was the complexity of the jacket that caught onlookers' eyes. According to J-Lo, the signature white jacket was crafted from 7,000 pristine rose petals. The matrix-esque gold-framed sunglasses offered a touch of surrealism to the fit.
Where To Watch Paris Couture Week replay in the UAE?
If you didn’t manage to nab a front-row seat, don’t worry! Major fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Maison Margiela will typically create a compilation of AW and SS showcases and share them on their YouTube channels. The best runways will be available for viewing online.
Images courtesy of launchmetrics/spotlight
