Couture Fashion Week SS/24 Highlights in pictures

Fendi

Kim Jones, FENDI's Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear, draws inspiration from Karl Lagerfeld's futurism for the latest collection, infusing a sense of humanism into the future aesthetic. The collection revolves around the core elements of the body, the silhouette within the silhouette, and the meticulous handwork of couture. Jones emphasizes the seamless fusion of structure and decoration, creating an inseparable connection between the two. The overarching theme seeks a balance between precision and emotion, capturing a futuristic vision with a touch of personal sentiment.

Giorgio Armani Privé

In Giorgio Armani's latest haute couture fashion show, the renowned designer reveals a delightful departure from the expected seriousness of fashion. Evoking a sense of play, escapism, and suspended moments, the collection develops as a profound expression of Armani's inclusive aesthetic, embracing diverse cultures with unparalleled joy and boundary-defying creativity. The garments effortlessly balance lightness and playfulness, featuring frothy lace, intricate embroidery, expertly crafted appliqués, and gracefully twirling braids that adorn hair and shoulders. The imaginative journey traverses from West to East, showcasing kimono-like robes, full skirts, mermaid dresses, petite bodices, long jackets, trousers narrowing at the bottom, and airy, voluminous dresses. The palette is a mesmerizing fusion of aqueous tones—pale pinks, jade green, soft blues, gold flashes, midnight, and royal blues—illuminated by sparkling embroidery, dematerialized through weightless lace, and enriched by the opulence of jacquard. This soft vision encapsulates the dream of a woman who, with her imagination, seamlessly incorporates elements from every place she visits into her own unique style. Armani's haute couture transcends mere fashion, offering a whimsical and captivating exploration of distant worlds.

Zuhair Murad

Zuhair Murad transforms the runway, steering away from traditional princess dresses and bridal motifs. His collection pays tribute to Phoenicia, reflecting a maritime legacy through powerful shoulders, draped silhouettes, and an abundance of bling reminiscent of a shipwreck's treasure. Chains of gemstones and baubles elegantly dangle in silver and gold, backed with nude tulle for a provocative touch. Rough-cut semi precious stones adorn sequined numbers, showcasing Murad's mastery in embellishment. Inspired by the Greco-Roman Empire, sinuous mesh patterns of grapes and vines adorn white ensembles creatively, while arabesque and mosaic-like geometric designs add a contemporary flair. The goddess gown takes the spotlight, marking a departure from the traditional princess dress.

Ellie Saab

Elie Saab showcased his red carpet mastery with a front-row appearance by Jennifer Lopez, whom the Lebanese designer has dressed numerous times. The collection, titled "Desert Rose," drew inspiration from the mystery of Morocco, exploring souk interiors and desert light. Saab translated intricate Moroccan architecture into filigree patterns on capes and gowns, adorned with gold against sunset hues. Moroccan metalwork influences played into bodices with graphic lines and inlaid florals. Asymmetrical designs, like a one-shouldered wrap cape, added volume, creating captivating drama on the runway. Saab emphasized that couture remains a core aspect of his brand's DNA, not just an image-maker, but a significant business line.

Valentino

Valentino's spring 2024 couture, aptly named "Le Salon," radiates a spectrum of colors as models descend a purple spiral staircase. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli embraces every hue imaginable, from draped turquoise dresses to rose-red capes and topaz blazers. Dramatic silhouettes, including bubble-hem skirts and attention-grabbing jackets, showcase Piccioli's distinctive style. Craftsmanship takes center stage with tinsel-made glitter tops and black puffy rosebud coats. This collection offers a practical dose of reality, presenting day-to-day wearable pieces like sheer black lace gowns. Accessorized with metallic belts, opera gloves, gold cuffs, and statement earrings, the result is a colorful couture blend of extravagance and everyday allure.

Ashi Studio

As the first Saudi Arabian fashion designer on the Parisian Haute Couture schedule, Mohammed Ashi presented a striking collection titled "Ink Beauty" featuring a limited palette of black, gold, and ivory. The runway unfolded with elegant and shapely silhouettes, marked by sdistinct textures, and bold structures. Ashi's unique vision showcased a harmonious blend of sophistication and allure, illustrating his ability to make a significant mark in the world of haute couture with a limited yet impactful color palette.