Paris Couture Week: Trends and Styles from the Runway
When it comes to fashion, there’s no stage quite like the runways of Paris Couture Week. Every year, elaborate, one-of-a-kind pieces float up and down the catwalk reinforcing the fact that fashion and art are one in the same. This year was no different, as designers out did themselves pushing boundaries while staying true to their brands.
While a total of 35 designers presented during the week, some stood out more than others. Opening Couture Week, Versace Atelier showcased bright colors, bold metallics and sexy designs. Chanel was undoubtedly a showstopper this year with Karl Lagerfield’s theme of dark romance, featuring lace, shine, structured shoulders and, of course, its trademark tweed. Raf Simons’—John Galliano’s replacement—turned out his highly anticipated couture line for Christian Dior. Inspired by fairytales, the gowns had a mix of volumptuous skirts, classic Dior silhouettes and fun pops of bright color and floral patterns. Jean Paul Gaultier presented bold, bright patterns, shiny metallics and hooped skirts.
Though we bid adieu to one of fashion’s most anticipated weeks, LadyLUX has rounded up some of the trends and styles from Paris Couture Week 2013 that are sure to stand out until next year.
One of the biggest trends to shimmer down the runways of Paris was sparkle and shine, whether it was with metallics, sequin or beading. Metallics were huge this year, especially for designers including Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace Atelier. Other designers including Chanel, Elie Saab, Alexandre Vauthier, Valentino and Alexis Mabille opted to use either sequin or beading for some added glitz. Versace Atelier was so emphatic about the sparkle and shine trend that in two looks, 24-carat gold was weaved into the fabric. Now, that’s lux.
This year, many designers opted to put an adventurous spin on the classic black and white look. Stephane Rolland’s collections was based in the two contrasting colors, as the majority of her line had either an all white look or an all black look, with some pieces blending the two opposing colors. Keeping in line with Lagerfeld’s vision of dark romance with a modern twist, Chanel’s collection used the two colors to add accent and flavor. In many of Chanel’s looks, black accents were used to keep the line from looking too ethereal, adding a bit of darkness and mystery to its romantic look. Giambattista Valli used the two opposite colors in the larger, ball gown pieces, while Alexandre Vauthier incorporated the trend into fun, flirty looks.
Designers were not afraid to show a little skin this year, as the catwalks were filled with cut outs. Versace Atelier, Armani Prive, Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexandre Vauthier used the trend throughout their collections for added sexiness and sass, while other designers including Dior used the trend in a more subtle and coquette manner.
It’s no surprise that during spring haute couture week in Paris, flowers would grace the runway. However, as couture suggests, flowers were incorporated into designs in the most fashion-forward way. Some designers including Chanel and Valentino opted to use the trend by way of pattern, while others including Stephane Rolland and Giambattista Valli incorporated floral accents by way of appliqué. Christian Dior was one designer that did both; some pieces use floral patterns while others feature 3D version of the trend.
Pops of color were another big trend this year. Most collections used either pops of bright colors or pops of deep, rich textures sparingly throughout the lines to perk up the runway. Versace Atelier and Jean Paul Gaultier were two exceptions to this, as the majority of their collections were based on bright colors and bold designs. However, other designers including Christian Dior, Alexis Mabille, Valentino and Giambattista Valli had more neutral palates and used color for added emphasis in their shows.
Tagged in: trends, fashion, floral, runway, chanel, versace, dior, jean paul gaultier, couture, paris couture,
