Paris Couture Week 2013 - Part 1

Paris Couture Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2013
Part One

There is no better place for avant grade inspiration than Paris Couture Fashion Week. This is part one of my runway recap from the City of Lights. Please click on the image to zoom in.

Christian Dior
The refined design aesthetic of Raf Simons blossomed at Dior's Couture SS13 presentation, uplifting the scene with cool blues, sunflower yellow, rose petal pinks and poppy red. The strapless bustier neckline was thematic throughout, as were chic cigarette pants and bell-shaped satin skirts fitted with pockets. Delicate floral lace embroidery enhanced the buoyant spirit of Spring. The range did feel slightly déjá vu from the last two seasons.

    
Giambattista Valli
A thoughtfully sculpted procession of feminine dresses drifted down the runway at Giambattista Valli. Black and white abstract animal prints and tented high-low hem skirts led the Spring 2013 showing, with dainty lilac and rose pink princess frocks following suit. Sumptuous ball gowns placed over pencil pants evoked an air of modern elegance.

    
Atelier Versace
Donatella took an entirely different route for Spring 2013, presenting a collection that is high in impact and all that is classic Versace glamour. Black pinstriped ensembles boasted genuine 24 carat gold thread in this ode to gilded opulence, which also featured architectural dresses inspired by domes of glass. A wave of fluorescent pinks and acid green revitalized our fashion palettes with neon chiffon babydoll dresses that should come with its own set of sunglasses.

     
Alexis Mabille
Couture week regular Alexis Mabille sent a confection of sugary romance down his Spring 2013 runway. Peaches and cream, strawberry kisses, honey almond and pastille pink coloured in the frothy evening gowns and lace lingerie inspired dresses. Bustier gowns and ribboned empire line looks were whirled in pleated chiffon, tiers of tulle and airy organza. Blissfully pretty.

Stephane Rolland
Stephane Rolland knows a thing or two about art, as evident in his skillfully sculpted collection, flaunting strong lines, symmetrical shapes & structured ruffles. Monochromatic silk gowns featured visually interesting sheer insert skirts with fishtail hems. Adding a 3 dimensional effect to the dresses were carefully pieced petals set upon peplum waists and necklines.

     
Chanel
Midnight strolls down forest paths in opulent fairytale dresses & cream tweed suits...that doesn't sound a bit unusual when you're talking about Chanel Couture. Karl Lagerfeld dreamed up an exquisite collection for Spring, with skirt suits, dainty dresses over lace leggings, a floral scattering of sequins & frayed feathered gowns that deserve a place in a Tim Burton movie.

What are your thoughts on the Spring 2013 Couture Collections so far?


Part Two to follow.