Couture Week in Paris began last night despite the sudden freeze affecting Brits and Parisians alike. In the bleak winter, Versace showed fashionistas the brightness of summer to come. Although Donnatella’s kick-off show was pushed back, the wait was worth it because of her spunky colour palette and edgy cuts. The runway radiated vibrancy that was sure to warm up the room.
Offering a more “real” approach to couture was the Christian Dior show. Providing intrinsic spring-time inspiration, Raf Simons’ second couture show for the house involved the most intricate of detailing, beads, trompe l’oeil and embroidery across new spring garden shades of grass green, poppy, lilac and periwinkle.
Better late than never after an hour’s wait, Giambattista Valli was a moving display of eclectic prints with models strutting in both floral and animal patterns. An initial display of striking monochrome, jacket and skirt ensembles and the shortest of waisted minidresses made way for lighter, translucent floral pieces that played to the youthful Valli-buyer.
Chanel set a make-believe scene with an enchanted forest as the show’s backdrop. Onlookers may have expected sweet fairies frolicking but instead there was a darker, “neo-classical” edge to the clothes – and the make up. There was a romantic-goth feel as tweed pieces shimmered and silver and white tops shone as though illuminated, “Shine is beautiful for the summer,” said Lagerfeld, “It lights the face.” And with such smoky eyes, lightening the face is a must.
