Couture: Made to measure; only for a select few; defined as the highest form of dressmaking.
The haute couture spring/summer 2024 season unfolded a tapestry of artistic and playful expressions. It celebrated technique and artisanship, bringing it back to its roots as a space for newness and innovation. Haute couture, with its specific rules and qualifications, offers a rare opportunity for designers and brands to showcase their creativity in a week with fewer shows than the crammed ready-to-wear fashion weeks. From statement looks full of volume and edge to more feminine looks with flowers and bows – this haute couture week truly had it all, marking it as one of the most captivating in years.
Continue reading to discover the major trends of the couture spring/summer 2024 season that also offer a first taste of the major trends for fall/winter 2024 ready-to-wear collections.
FLOATING FEATHERS
At Fendi and Stephane Rolland, models confidently strutted down the runway in full feather looks. Meanwhile at Dior, Julie De Libran and Valentino feathers added a subtle and whimsical touch to the structured silhouettes of dresses and coats.
BOWS AND BOLD VOLUMES
Giambattista Valli made a bold statement with voluminous garments draped like bows. He was joined by Viktor & Rolf and Rahul Mishra in presenting show-stopping looks. At Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri opted for a more subtle look, adding small bows to the monochrome looks.
BALLETCORE
TikTok’s latest favorite trend hit the runways as Simone Rocha at Jean Paul Gaultier and Virginie Viard at Chanel embraced the ultra-feminine aesthetic to the fullest in sending out rose-colored monochrome looks styled with bows and lots of tulle. Kim Jones at Fendi dialed it down with a simple elegant chiffon dress.
TULLE TEMPTATION
Embracing the balletcore trend to the fullest, designers’ go-to fabric this season was undoubtedly tulle. At Chanel and Aelis the dreamy vibe was presented in white tulle. Valentino and Ashi Studio added an edgy twist with black tulle and darker makeup, providing a contrasting touch to the hyper-feminine look.
NEW CLEAN LOOK
Kim Jones was looking into the future when designing Fendi’s couture collection. Alongside, designers like Alexis Mabille and Antonio Grimaldi gave us a glimpse into the new simplistic but sharp look. Even a white shirt in an exaggerated shape as seen at Juana Martin or a reshaped statement coat at Viktor & Rolf set a new tone.
SPARKLING STAR
Continuing the New Year’s festivities, sparkles were all the rage at the couture shows in January. From Zuhair Murad’s full-on sparkling silver dress to subtler sparkles, elevating every outfit Adorning a suit at Fendi or a bolero at Gaurav Gupta, the sparkle took on an androgyne vibe.
SENSUAL SEQUINS
Keeping the sparkling theme going, designers also opted for lots of sequins this season. From glamorous dresses by Hany El Behairy to power suits by Tony Ward, sequins were all the rage at this season’s couture week. Sequins in subtle shades were favorites for more sensual interpretations.
CATCHING CAPES
Elie Saab continued creating fairytales on the runway. From a shell-pink asymmetrical cape to a lavender one in chiffon, models walked down the runway looking as enchanting as ever. Along Elie Saab, Georges Hobeika and Zuhair Murad also dressed their models in different interpretations of capes, adding a glamorous and majestic touch to every look.
3D-FLOWERS
“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Every fashionista knows these iconic words said by Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada. And while Miranda Priestly meant it sarcastically, these haute couture looks actually revolutionize the traditional floral motif. From Valentino to Imane Ayissi, various fashion houses added 3D-flowers to their designs taking the all time favorite trend to the next level.
RAVISHING REDS
Georges Hobeika created romantic gowns in the color of love. Dior played it simple and chic, favoring a darker shade of ruby red. Valentino went for different shades of its iconic red. A woman in red is known to catch the ultimate attention in the room, so catch yourself that self-esteem.
