Top 4 Collections From Paris Haute Couture Spring 2017

A mirrored runway with an art deco aesthetic and bunches of long-stemmed calla lilies in tall vases, Chanel’s Spring 2017 couture show exuded a pure and clean element. The same shiny and polished style was reflected in the designs. Immaculate tailoring in pastel shades triumphed in the form of Chanel’s iconic tweed skirt suits – not a single stray thread was observed. As the collection progressed, structured floor-length dresses were embellished with ornate sequins and cinched with 80s-inspired silver belts. The real standout dress arrived in a swish of ostrich feathers, hand sewn onto a ballroom worthy skirt and paired with a classic silver court shoe with a signature Chanel pearl embellishment around the ankle. Once again, Chanel proved just how skilled French ateliers truly are.

If an English princess visited Saudi Arabia in the sixties, her wardrobe would probably highly resemble Elie Saab’s Spring 2017 couture collection. An array of midnight navy, pastel blues and brassy golds in the most luxurious of fabrics, Elie Saab’s usual soft couture aesthetic had been infused with a touch of fairytale glamour. Think silk headscarves in candy hues, feminine empire line dresses and flowing tulle gowns embellished with incredible beaded embellishment. This season’s Elie Saab couture Queen is no wallflower – making a sequin-laden statement is her number one priority. The models’ waists were highlighted throughout the collection with an ensemble of delicate belts, displaying a consistently womanly silhouette. Too elaborate for couture? Maybe. But Elie Saab certainly delivered something unique.

It was Valentino’s former associate, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s turn to take over the reigns at one of Paris’ most iconic fashion houses, Christian Dior. Premiering her first couture collection for the designer giant, Chiuri opted to showcase within the grounds of the famous Musée Rodin. The runway was covered in deep green mossy grass and lined with untrimmed hedges for a natural aesthetic. It was almost as if Maria wanted to strip things back to basics, to start her journey with Dior afresh. Although Dior’s DNA was infused into the silhouettes, the iconic corseted shape was softened slightly for a looser look. Feather and floral headdresses added an element of fantasy to this dream-like collection. It’s not every day you see catwalk models strutting down a grassy catwalk, after all.

Creative director, Piccioli’s main inspiration for this season’s couture collection dated back to times when the Romans conquered. A fluid and loose silhouette was noted throughout the floor-length dresses – a stark contrast to Valentino’s signature slinky, fitted form. With awards season just around the corner, it was evident that a handful of Piccioli’s looks were almost custom-made for the red carpet. The metallic pink pleated floor-length number screamed ‘film star’, as did the deep red flowing high-neck gown. With couture fusing into commerce more than ever, simple and accessible design is key to success. It looks like Valentino has mastered the balance of delicate couture and commercial desirability seamlessly with this stripped-back, minimal based collection.