Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture is known to be a high-drama affair, and a showcase of theatrical presentations, elaborate sets, extravagant makeup, and remarkable designs brought to life with pristine craftsmanship. Ahead of Haute Couture Spring 2016, Nouriah Al Shatti revisits the most enchanting and unforgettable moments in Haute Couture fashion history.
French designer-turned-director Thierry Mugler is renowned for putting on a show. As a fashion designer, he was celebrated for his classic sharp tailoring, architectural structures, and futuristic designs that feature metal, latex, vinyl, and PVC. He was also notorious for his over-the-top runway productions that clocked in just shy of an hour. One of his most notable shows was his high-scale Fall 1995 Couture presentation that marked the 20th anniversary of his career as a designer. Complete with a large stage, go-go dancers on pedestals, and a live performance by the late James Brown, the extravagant event took place at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris. On the catwalk, legendary supermodels such as Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, and a young Kate Moss marched alongside the likes of icons Jerry Hall, Veruschka, and Carmen Dell’Orefice.
Nadja Auermann stole the show however in an embellished gold, metal, and rhinestone corset bodysuit, complete with long gold metal gloves, and finished with an elaborate rhinestone necklace, while a long, gold, chiffon sequined cape fluttered behind her. Sound familiar? Beyoncé wore the original ensemble in her Sweet Dreams video (2008), proving that Mugler’s show-stopping designs from Haute Couture’s past are still relevant today.
