Paris’ biannual couture week is underway and, as a result, the city is awash with some of the most fabulously OTT fashion on the planet.
From 30 June to 4 July, 34 couturiers will present their magical haute couture collections in some of the most illustrious venues in the City of Light.
On Tuesday, Virginie Viard presented a calm and considered first haute couture collection for Chanel, the first since she succeeded from the late Karl Lagerfeld, while on Monday Daniel Roseberry debuted a dramatic and fearless first collection for Schiaparelli – oversized diamante python neckpiece, anyone?
The outlandish extravagance is, however, not restricted to the runways.
Of all the fashion weeks, couture attracts the most jet-set, glamorous crowd. In addition to the usual editors, influencers and buyers, show invites go out to pop stars, influencers, A-list actors and celebrity stylists – all of whom are on the hunt for their next red carpet ballgown.
Which means power dressing, diamonds and all manner of sartorial sass.
Here are 3 rules we learnt from this season’s glossy showgoers...
1. Power suiting is only getting more powerful
Suiting has been ranking high on the sartorial agenda for some time now, and if couture week is anything to go by, boardroom-ready ensembles are not going anywhere come winter.
In fact, silhouettes are only getting more mannish and oversized. Ditch last year's pastels in favour of teal and terracotta hues, and pair with chunky sandals for as long as the weather permits. Did someone say promotion?
2. Your party dress this winter is going to be metallic, 80s-inspired and saucily short
Look at street style pics from couture week and you'd be forgiven for thinking half the showgoers had just stepped out of some bonkers Dynasty-themed day party.
The message? Your autumn party dress can be metallic and ruched, or one-shouldered and cinched at the waist... it's just gotta be eye-wateringly short.
3. All white is most definitely all right
Is there anything lovelier or more understatedly fabulous than an all-white ensemble? Please see above image for reference. Total perfection.
Click through the gallery at the top of this page for all the best couture week street style gowns.
