By Fashion Editor: Inoisell Miranda
Contributing Editor: Jessica Fields
No matter how monotonous fashion may emerge in front of our eyes these days, “we will always have Paris” to dazzle us with its high quality, unique custom fitted attire expressed by designers apt to the highest and most well defined standards. In France, Houte Couture refers to high sewing or high fashion, a form of art manifested in wardrobe style and the greatest source of inspiration for outsiders looking to push the boundaries of what is accepted as the norm, and add a little glamour in their lives. XEX Magazine gives you a peek at the fall 2013 Couture runways as this past month, Paris was definitely burning…
Atelier Versace – July 1st
This collection focused on many Versace trademarks such as hip-grazing splits, metallic medallions and hook and eye closures that showcase garment seams. Naomi Campbell opened and closed the show in black leather and lace garments that nodded to lingerie. Each garment showed an exquisite amount of detail creating a very rich look. Crocodile, netting and perfectly placed crystals added texture and refined many garments.
Christian Dior – July 1st
The current couture collection displayed by Raf Simons was merriment of his recent RTW fall and Resort 2013 collections. Keeping the lines simple a’la Raf, many dress and skirt/top combos kept the “new look” feel Christian Dior set back in 1947, nipping the waist to create a womanly shape. This collection also focused on the contrast between neutral colors such as black and white with cool colors like cobalt, red and pale blues. Elements of embellished art, tailored pants and structured jackets added a bit of edge making the designs very wearable. Standout pieces included gowns, gowns and more gowns! Both flowing and structured masterpieces that are sure to appear on red carpets in the near future.
Giambattista Valli – July 1st
Giambattista Valli showcased couture gowns that are red carpet ready. Slim fitted gowns with mermaid skirts floated down the runway, in pearl shades splashed with rich reds and creamy blues. Delicately made florettes were placed over sheer bodices and skirts to create an effect similar to falling flowers. Though few, the day time pieces from this collection were just as notable. Cocoon fit dresses in structured shapes provided a nice contrast and added a bit of edge to this very beautiful and feminine collection.
Armani Prive – July 2nd
Armani Prive showcased the balance between sharp lines and billowy silhouettes. Clean cut blazers were paired with flowing bottoms to create a look reminiscent of the 1920’s. Continuing with this theme gowns were shown in elegant cuts that emphasize femininity as well as old Hollywood glamour. Beading, ruffles, lace and metallic accents kept the collection looking very fresh. Some show stoppers in this collection included a pale midi fur, an exaggerated jacket, and expertly tailored pants in fabrics that move!
Chanel – July 2nd
As with many of the collections shown this couture season, Chanel featured many pieces that can easily be considered day wear. Models sporting androgynous contouring makeup and pompadours bopped down the runway in edgy suits and futuristic ethereal gowns. There was a distinct nod to the mod looks of working women in the 60’s. Tweed suits, true to the house, were accessorized with wide belts slung low grazing the tops of hips. Suits were also accessorized with thigh high suede boots that mocked tights creating a complete look that was every bit edgy as it was lady like.
Ulyana Sergeenko – July 2nd
Ulyana Sergeenko collection was all about structured shapes in contrasting colors. Sharp black, white and bold red garments were accented with defined waistlines, thigh high stockings and high necklines, thus paying homage to the designers’ Russian roots. Structured silhouettes also showed the designers love for avant garde couture. Favorites among this collection included a pilgrim esque black dress with deep pleating, a fur skirted coat and crisp white dresses and tops.
Maison Martin Margiela – July 3rd
Margiela in a category all its own, shows fashion as wearable art. Masked models resembling the trend seen since last year on various artists like Justin Bieber, 2 Chainz, Romeo Miller, and Kanye West, walked down a tarnished wood paneled runway wearing a mix mosh of latex coated jeans and tulle gowns. The opening look was an artistic take on jeans and t-shirt. Jeans seemed to serve as a canvas to the elaborate midriff baring tops made of beautiful flowers and platelets. Maintaining its focus on reused fashion, silk tulle sourced from different parts of the world was used to create floating dresses reminiscent to 50’s prom gowns. The closing gowns had an Asian influence shown by kimono style wrapping and draping as well as large floral appliqués.
Valentino – July 3rd
Valentino as always was absolutely breathtaking and, in this collection completely modern. The show opened with the brands’ signature long sleeve crewneck gown featuring large lace embroidery. It was worn by a fresh faced girl who was also sporting a signature Valentino deep middle part with the rest of the hair pulled back. The collection continued with long coats and dresses that showcased fits distinct to the brand. Garments in wool plaid and herringbone fabrics made this couture collection very wearable for almost any type of woman. Almost transparent lace gowns added a bit of sexiness to show and, just as it was nearing its end the designing duo sent a perfectly tailored pant suit featuring a demure but sexy keyhole down the runway in none other then Valentino red.
Viktor & Rolf – July 3rd
This collection was as special as it was different. For their return to couture, the designers looked to elements of Japanese gardens. The result was perfect and calming. Each model was minimalistic made up with loosely tied hair to showcase the construction of the garments. Each garment was made from a beautiful black silk treated to mimic a more structured fabric. This gave an ease to many of the garments allowing them to drape beautifully. Fringed feathers brought a sense of femininity while cool elements such as one sleeve tops paired with wide flat sandals kept the collection very strong and conceptual.
