By Alyssa Boddicker
Paris Haute Couture Week has continued on, and Day 2 has brought on some serious trends to watch. Micro-florals, or tiny beaded floral patterns were seen in Christian Dior, Ralph & Russo, and Giambattista Valli‘s collections suggesting out-there florals might be falling by the wayside. Transitional pieces such as heavier jackets and darker colors were prominent in Dior’s collection, and darker colors were also found integrated in the other collections as well. Off-the-shoulder necklines that highlighted collar bones, and edgy necklines ranging in size and style were a large feature of the Day 2 shows. Keep reading to see the trends that make these couture collections so innovative.
Christian Dior

Dior’s Couture collection offered great transition pieces for the early spring, from edgy trench coats, dark colors, and slightly heavier fabrics that are softened by beading, floral detailing, and ruffles throughout the collection.

Sheer fabrics and silky floral ruffles placed against heavy jackets and coats bring winter weight into the spring with refreshing inspiration on what it truly means transition into spring.

Necklines ranging from plunging V’s, to more sedate round necklines, to layered lapels show the variety in Dior’s spring wear that was a lovely start to a week due to be filled with prim and proper florals.

Thought your dark days were behind you come spring time? Think again. These black lace pieces from Dior suggest that a light sheer lace, as well as delicate ruffles are a perfect way to bring black into your spring wardrobe.
Ralph & Russo

Ralph & Russo light and airy collection adds a breathe of fresh air to the Paris Couture runways. Intricute sleeves with form-fitting lace, soft feathers, and floral beaded “cape” sleeves are details not to be missed in the collection.

Delicate painted feathers added to the shoes worn throughout the collection mimic the light and flowy feeling of the garments throughout the collection.

On the more glamorous side, curves and soft waves and and beaded detailing in navy, dusty rose, and cream romanticize the Ralph & Russo collection and add a sense of sophistication.
Giambattista Valli

Slim gladiator sandals were a contrast to the otherwise feminine collection by Giambattista Valli. Soft and segmented ruffles and pleats are meticulously placed to accent the shoulders of these beautiful mini dresses.

One of the main large gowns of Valli’s couture collection was this dusty blue ruffled masterpiece, just structured enough that the does not drown the model wearing it.

Black was used throughout the collection to accent certain features, such as shoulders, necklines, and chests and add a bit of depth to the pastels, whites, and beading that are also prominent in the collection. Another prominent trend seen on these three dresses are the beaded houndstooth accents used for a top, belt, and underdress above.

Detailing before the show is a necessity when showing at such a renowned and respected platform such as the Paris Couture show.

The final stand-out feature from the Giambattista Valli show were the thin, off-the-shoulder accents that created empire waistlines in both gowns and short dresses. These accents added continuity between the darker pieces in the collection and bring a new perspective to what “spring fashion” really is.
All in all, Day 2 of Paris Haute Couture Week brought new life to what it means to have a spring collection. From Dior’s transition pieces and dark jackets, to Ralph & Russo’s soft and airy feathered pieces and navy accents, to Giambattista Valli’s black accents, structured ruffles and neckline focuses, these collections are sure to wow those who have not seen their perfection.