Sofia Achaval’s Complete Spring 2019 Paris Couture Diary

DAY 1: January 21, 2019

Schiaparelli 
Schiaparelli’s show at Palais Garnier kicked off Haute Couture week in Paris, with a collection full of fantasy, color and creativity. Designer Bertrand Guyon said his inspiration behind this season was born from Elsa Schiaparelli’s childhood memories featured in her biography. In particular, of children playing in a garden with flowers, and a trip to Milan where she kept a record of the stars. All of this could be seen in the designs that paraded the catwalk. There were flower prints in different fabrics, dresses made entirely of feathers, sparkles, and embroidery. Many looks were paired with cowboy boots — a cute juxtaposition.

Dior
Dior held its Haute Couture show at the Musée Rodin under a circus tent designed specially for the occasion. Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collection was full of the magic and mystery one finds at the circus. Another source of inspiration? Richard Avedon’s “Dovima with Elephants,” the iconic fashion photograph that features the model dressed in a black Dior gown, shot inside the old Cirque d´Hiver in Paris. The show started with a presentation by an all-female circus company. Then came the clothes: voluminous chiffon dresses in pastel colors, tailored suits, sheer looks, and sparkling garments reminiscent of harlequin clowns.

Giambattista Valli
Giambattista Valli closed the first day of Paris’ Haute Couture Fashion Week at the Centre Pompidou with a collection filled with the brand’s trademark voluminous tulle. The short dresses had big sleeves and deep V’s, while longer gowns had satin featured ruffles and layers. There were also ostrich feathers and flower printed organza strips.

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