From imaginary threads and sketches to full-fledged video productions – the first day of Paris Haute Couture Week online showed, yet again, that creativity will always find its way to the surface.
It still feels a little surreal to not have the usual fashion hustle in the early July for the Haute Couture week in Paris. Indeed, life is slowly coming back over here and boulangeries and restaurant terraces are able to welcome clients. However, a nearly two-months confinement and current restrictions made it impossible for the Maisons to have their traditional shows and presentations.
In addition, several brands have publicly decided to opt out of the traditional fashion calendar for the upcoming seasons. Is the world of fashion weeks coming to an end? Not so fast. Today has shown that the fashion week can exist in realms of reality as well as in a previously-unexplored digital presentation.
Naomi’s call for action
The day started early (at 9:00) with Naomi Campbell calling on the fashion industry to come together in the fight for equality and diversity. Wearing a black t-shirt that read “PHENOMENALLY BLACK”, the supermodel called for action, and inclusion of the multitude of identities.
A different world
Schiaparelli usually opens the season and that did not change for Haute Couture Week online. The difference this time is that Schiaparelli could not hold a presentation and, instead, showed Daniel Roseberry sketching the collection in New York – one of the most hard-hit cities by COVID-19.
The world is a different place today and designers have had to adapt. Iris Van Herpen showcased one look, so did Maison Rabih Kayrouz with a story of one dress from Beirut to Paris. Ralph & Russo presented a collection, part of which was produced in real life and other – impeccably applied on a 3D avatar model. The results are stunning.
Others have showcased collections that had more looks, including Giambattista Valli, who dedicated his collection to Paris. Ulyana Sergeenko brought it back to Russia with a beautiful film that showcased complicated traditional techniques and the work of Russian seamstresses and artists. It is great when a designer promotes a traditional skill of their homeland. After all, who could ever forget Madame Pouzieux – Chanel’s celebrated braid maker?
Le Mythe Dior
The highlight of the day was a stunning production from Dior. The Maison told a story of a mystery land, filled with mythical creatures whom Dior, naturally, dressed in Haute Couture. At first Dior couriers carry a trunk with miniature dresses which are offered to these creatures one by one. The Atelier and its petite mains then transform these pieces into the real-life creations for their destined keepers.
“Surrealist images manage to make visible what is in itself invisible. I’m interested in mystery and magic, which are also a way of exorcising uncertainty about the future,” said Maria Grazia Chiuri of this Haute Couture collection.
Stay tuned for day 2 of this one-of-a-kind Haute Couture Week Online.