Highlights from a Hectic Couture, from DJ Kate Moss to Celine Dion
Paris Haute Couture used to be a small, manageable schedule, but this season it’s clear that we’ve entered full-blown fashion week territory. From fine jewelry to resort appointments, ready-to-wear collections such as Vetements and Brioni, and plenty of parties, the couture shows could almost be overlooked. But there was plenty to take in on that front too—Alberta Ferretti, Francesco Scognamiglio, Giles Deacon and J. Mendel made their couture debuts this week, and at Dior and Giambattista Valli, Celine Dion in the front row reminded everyone that fashion should be celebrated. It all culminated with a jaw-dropping show in Rome to celebrate Fendi’s 90th anniversary, where models walked on a runway above the city’s famed Trevi Fountain. Here, the highlights of the week.
Kate Moss at Miu Miu
Miu Miu kicked off the week by presenting their collection inside the Traveler’s Club, a former a gentlemen’s club built in the 19th century. Guests wandered through different rooms to take in the resort clothes, as well as a margarita fountain and a feast of roasted sirloin and sea trout. But the pièce de resistance? Kate Moss herself taking to the DJ booth to spin the night away.
Vetements
Vetements’ collection was chock full of collaborations, from Manolo Blahnik to Levi’s to Juicy Couture, and was shown in a shopping mall during store hours. It was also totally androgynous, modeled interchangeably by men and women.
Sabine Getty in the Front Row
Sabine Getty was my favorite front row face. Her style was impeccable (especially at Armani!), and the designers are loving her.
Giorgio Armani Privé
This show was Armani at his best. With Cate Blanchett in the front row, it was easy to imagine her wearing any number of the beautiful black velvet gowns or beaded finale dresses.
Giambattista Valli
All eyes were on Celine Dion in the front row at Valli. The singer, in town on tour, was oohing and ahing at every look and nearly shed tears when the finale dresses hit the runway.
Celine Dion in the Front Row
Watching Celine Dion’s reactions at Dior and Giambattista Valli was (almost!) as fun as watching the shows.
Elie Saab
Kiddie couture! Both in the audience and on the runway at Elie Saab.
Alberta Ferretti, Francesco Scognamiglio, J.Mendel
The debut couture collections from Alberta Ferretti, Francesco Scognamiglio, Giles Deacon and J.Mendel.
Alberta Ferretti
New to the couture schedule, Alberta Ferretti kicked off couture week with her show on Sunday. This beaded silver dress was a standout.
Maria Grazia Chiuri's Final Bow
The last Valentino show from Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli as a design duo, and the official announcement of Chiuri’s new role at Dior.
Valentino
This show was particularly memorable as it was Maria Grazia Chiuri's last show at the house of Valentino.
Christian Dior
It was a big week for the house of Dior announcing the appointment of Maria Grazia. As such, this was the last show by Lucie Meier and Serg Ruffieux who have been the interim designers since Raf’s departure. It was a feminine and beautiful collection.
Fendi Haute Fourrure
Celebrating their 90th anniversary, Fendi staged their couture show at the Trevi fountain in Rome where the models walked on water (literally). It was a setting to remember and a fantastically feminine collection.
Fendi Haute Fourrure
The brilliance of the Fendi show atop Rome’s Trevi Fountain, followed by dinner overlooking the city. Not to mention the Fendi plane that took people from Paris to Rome.
Chanel
This couture collection was an ode to the women and men of the Chanel Atelier. Karl gave us a behind the scenes look into the world behind couture and it was magical. The show featured the best of Chanel — great tweeds and the black and white gowns we have come to know well.
Reopening the Ritz Paris
Puttin’ on the Ritz: The Ritz Paris has officially reopened, and between the Chanel presentation inside the “Chanel Suite,” The Webster’s pop-up shop [link to event], Noor Fares’ fine jewelry appointments, and cocktails at Bar Hemingway, it was truly the place to be.
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid was hands-down the model of the week. She looked fantastic and walked in Fendi, Atelier Versace, Dior, and more.
Atelier Versace
See now, wear now? The supermodel line up at Versace was impressive. Many of the girls, Irina Shayk, Karen Elson, Carolyn Murphy and Joan Smalls, wore the collection out to the AmfAR dinner later that night.
Nancy Gonzalez x KAWS at Colette
Nancy Gonzalez and KAWS collaborated on a limited edition capsule collection of crocodile handbags, which was celebrated with a cocktail party at Colette. Photo by @colette.
Justin O'Shea at Brioni
The front row chatter at Brioni was all about its newest creative director, Justin O’Shea, who delivered exquisitely tailored suits in velvet, leather and fur.
Maison Margiela
Perhaps the most pared-back look on the Margiela runway, this ethereal tulle dress with red embroidery stole the show.
Givenchy
Designer Riccardo Tisci shows his couture collection during the men's show but it certainly doesn't take away from the utterly feminine qualities that make his designs so sought after. This black beaded dress is the epitome of sophisticated eveningwear.