In a time of uncertainty for both the world and the industry, we look back at some of the most dreamlike creations and moments ever made in the history of couture.
The spring 2004 collection by John Galliano at Dior remains one of his most celebrated collections to date. Inspired by his travels to Egypt, it included leopard print fur stoles, lotus-shaped hemline, pyramid-shaped gowns and many Egyptian style pieces like the mask of Anubis and Nefertiti crowns.
For the Spring Summer couture collection, Elie Saab transported onlookers to a modern forest. Using his childhood as inspiration, the pieces featured a freshness and unexpected silhouettes. Usually shying from print, the collection was plentiful in florals inspired by his mother's favorite tulips.
The Italian house celebrated its 90th year by having models walk on a glass-covered Trevi fountain for the FW 2017 couture show. Demonstrating their dedication to their home city, Fendi had donated a large amount toward the preservation of the fountain, making it a perfect anniversary show location.
Just nine days before Gianni Versace was shot outside his mansion in Miami, his Haute Couture fall –winter show at the Ritz included a slew of supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Amber Valetta in body con chain mail, much to the delight of his loyal followers. If only the world had known this would be his last.
Audiences boarded “Air Chanel” - a special jumbo jet built for the occasion to host the world’s fashion glitterati.
In an extraordinary space lined with mirrors, Raf Simons brought us an edgier more rock and roll show than the normal ladylike Dior. Taking inspiration from the great chameleon David Bowie, the boots were an overnight success.
In the 1950s, Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga began creating shapes that were new to women's fashion- balloon hems, semi-fit looks, and sack dresses with more volume than ever. Shocking the world with such loose silhouettes, Cristobal created fashion staples and styles that still remain today.
Inspired by cymatics, (the visual representation of sounds waves) Van Herpen presented a collection that combined couture with technology in one of couture’s most memorable shows to date in terms of innovation and craftsmanship.
The iconic actress Audrey Hepburn starred in countless films wearing the most beautiful costumes. These truly timeless pieces were specially designed by her dear friend Hubert de Givenchy, of course. Some of the most well-known costumes — the black and white gown in ‘Sabrina’ to the little black dress in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany's’ — were designed through their close friendship.
In February 1947, Christian Dior launched his first fashion collection, featuring small, nipped-in waists and full skirts. One of the most iconic pieces being the ‘bar’ suit, the collection brought femininity back to fashion and is credited with having revived Haute Couture and fashion in France. Considered glamorous and young looking, Christian Dior created a fashion revolution.
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