I always look forward to couture week, when the masters of design present their most innovative and luxurious creations of the season. For couturiers it's a time of free artistic expression and impeccable craftsmanship - there are no limits and no expense is spared in the process. The ateliers do some of their most intricate work, using the finest fabrics and jewels, resulting in one-of-a-kind works of art.
Couture is enduring as an art form, and many pieces from the past are as relevant now as they were in their day. Just look at Schiaparelli's iconic Lobster Dress, which has inspired talents such as Christian Lacroix and Isaac Mizrahi among others, or at Balenciaga's Bubble Dresses which Demna Gvasalia re-created earlier this year to honor the house's 100th anniversary. These are iconic works that have forever influenced the way we think about dressing. Such pieces encourage us to be sartorially expressive and to push boundaries rather than to follow trends or copy celebrities. This, in today's age of fast fashion and 'instagram models', is as important as ever.
My Fall 2017-18 Favorites:
(All photos from Vogue.com)
Chanel's couture collections always impress with the atelier's incredible attention to detail. This season is no exception. We see luxe tweeds adorned with feathers, rich silk evening wear in voluminous silhouettes and those incredible over-the-knee boots.
Another highlight is Giambattista Valli who can always be counted on for dramatic statement gowns. There's a Spring-like freshness to the collection - frothy and full of life.
One of the best looks this season - Jean Paul Gaultier's fierce "Le Smoking" Sari.
This Zuhair Murad dress really evokes the mood of the Edwardian age, beautifully embellished with bead-work and feathers. It's just the sort of glamour that John Singer Sargant so eloquently depicts in his society portraits.
Exquisite Fan Pleats from Alexis Mabille.
Fall Florals are a definite trend on the FW17-18 couture runways. We see beautiful examples from Fendi.
Dolce and Gabbana's Alta Moda collection never disappoints. It is pure Italian opulence - fashion fantasy at it's finest, complete with lavish printed silks, large lace parasols and fantastic floral appliqué.