In a season where pre-fall overlapped the fall 2017 menswear collections which, in turn, overlapped the Spring 2017 Couture collections it has been a challenge to conquer and divide to bring your clear, relevant and timely notes on the presentations and what they portend for the upcoming RTW shows.  So, excuse our delay in bringing you our point-of-view on the extraordinary collections that were presented as part of Spring 2017 Couture.  But because of their foreshadowing of the trends that we can expect to see as the RTW collections begin, they make for the perfect introduction to the Fashion Week that is upon us.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to dress like a princess, oil baroness, or Mme. President? Lean in close and read on as we reveal their secrets. They shop haute couture collections from the top fashion houses and most exclusive designers in the world including familiar names like Chanel and Elie Saab as well as up and comers like Guo Pei. These pieces are so expensive that if you have to ask, you can’t afford it. But how can you create that same air of a diva pulling from the trends off the runways? How will the looks we see here affect the broader collections we will see in the next month of the fall 2017 collections?  Easy…. and we’re here to break it down and serve up on a silver platter.

Spring 2017 Couture Collections A Breath Of Fresh Air

From rocker chic in metallic leather at Redemption, confident girl pant suits from Armani Privé to the softer side of romantic silhouettes including capes and bridal gowns at Zuhair Murad and Ulyana Sergenko key directions are emerging that will easily find a comfortable home in the upcoming Fall 2017 RTW collections.  Just in time to hit the gym, the naked dress from Versace and the leggy miniskirt/long train combo from Stephan Rolland will inspire you to get fit. And forget about the exposed shoulder or strapless dresses and tops, puffy sleeves and oversized portrait collars are where it’s according to the Haute Couture vision at Redemption and Xuan. Still, there were those exceptional touches that tickle the imagination as Haute Couture is intended to do such as the fantastical embellishments that make the looks at Schiaparelli the stuff of dreams.

There were seven strong trends that emerged and, over a three part series, we’ll break ‘em down and fast track you with the highlights of the best of couture fashion.  And here we go with the first of these key trends….

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

Marabou feathers adorned everything from sleeves, to capes and boas. This has been a fabric trend on dress hems for the few past seasons, but the feathers are moving north to become  a face-framing soft touch. Chanel used it most generously. Perhaps it was an ode to the feather wearing maven, Za Za Gabor, but little restraint was used for Chanel’s after-five pieces. Ralph and Russo took this trend and added it to a floor length cape in snow white – a true vision of beauty as the soft wind swept through the feathers. Giambattista Valli did a lovely job using soft, white rabbit fur to trim bolero jackets that gave the same plush effect.

 

ROMANTIC REVIVAL

The trend for romance and nostalgia continued with a wide offering of bridal gown designs and cape toppers. From Ralph and Russo, Chanel, Alexis Mabille, and Rami Kadi, few of the shows did NOT include this concept. Galia Lahav came on strong with an illusion sheath and full train in pale ivory. It was so sexy it would make your priest blush but, worn at a black tie gala, you’d be the talk of the town. Another show-stopping bridal silhouette came from Guo Pei. Not one to shy away from drama, Pei put forth a cocoon style head piece and matching gown that turned heads coming and going. If your New Year’s resolution is to get hitched, there’s plenty to pick from and, if not, well, you might want to put this trend on your vision board.

The cape was another special and widely used touch by many of the designers. From clean, crisp and classic ivory at Valentino to sparley beaded variety  at Armani Privé, the cape is a simple addition to your wardrobe that gives you anything but a simple reaction.

More of the key trends from Haute Couture to come…..

 

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