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Roundup at Paris Haute Couture fall/winter 2013-2014

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In a world increasingly attuned to fast fashion, we can still pause to dream of extreme luxury. During Paris Haute Couture Week, which ended July 4, designers provided a lot of fuel for our flights of fancy.

Among the offerings:

Viktor & Rolf returned to couture after a 13-year absence with a minimalist collection set in an imaginary Japanese garden, where the models, dressed in black, were the stones.

Jean Paul Gaultier focused on cats. Dresses, coats, even the models’ hair bore animal print. He surprised the audience by bringing out reality star Nabilla Benattia — sort of a European Kim Kardashian — to prowl the runway.

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The collection Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccoli presented for Valentino was romantic and mysterious, featuring embroidery and lace. Daywear combined masculine fabrics and feminine details.

At Dior, creative director Raf Simons drew inspiration from around the globe, mixing materials, patterns and color to represent Parisian chic, American sportiness, Asian tradition and bold Masai color.

Karl Lagerfeld set Chanel’s show in a crumbling opera house and showed monochromatic tweeds, drop-waist flared skirts, suits and gowns with beading and sequins.

Versace sent 43-year-old Naomi Campbell out to lead a runway procession of body-hugging, crystal-studded fashions.

Zuhair Murad’s collection featured diaphanous, form-fitting gowns, with luxurious embroideries and other embellishments.

Armani Prive brought out a collection titled “Nude” that included gowns, suits and fluid pants in soft tones of pale pink, beige and light gray.

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Elie Saab showed a procession of opulent red-carpet-worthy gowns, sparkling in sequins and ruby, emerald and sapphire colored crystals.

Susan Denley

image@latimes.com

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