Consider Haute Couture to be a decadent treat for the fashion world. The runway pieces take hundreds of hours (and any number of artisans) to construct, and there's never a shortage of drama — whether it be in the form of ruffles, sparkles, or a daring train. For Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2019, the designers bestowed with the title and honor from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture are debuting the pieces you're likely to see worn by your favorite A-listers on the major red carpets of the coming months.
Haute Couture collections are different than those shown during the traditional fashion weeks because a fashion house must earn the title using an atelier of experts who create each piece by hand. Traditionally, each show is closed with a wedding gown, though as you'll see below, that is always up for interpretation. You can assume (correctly) that such attention to sartorial detail results in some pretty breathtaking fashion moments, and many themes echoed those spotted in other seasons, '80s-inspired suiting — bold colors, and fringe all serve as prime examples — are reinterpreted the couture way. From the whimsical, to the futuristic, to the just-plain-over-the-top, find a few of TZR editors' favorite looks from this season.
Valentino
Valentino's couture collection was chock-full of swoon-worthy looks, but this high-volume green gown was an exceptional piece. Naomi Campbell closing the show in a completely sheer black dress was another epic moment from a standout show.
Iris Van Herpen
Season after season, Iris van Herpen delivers a collection that can be considered a true work of art. Thought-provoking graphic designs made an appearance for Spring/Summer, with 3-D details and a sculptural, futuristic bent.
Chanel
Couture shows typically close out with a wedding gown, but never one to shy from taking things up a notch, Karl Lagerfeld debuted a bridal swimsuit entirely encrusted in crystal.
Viktor & Rolf
While couture isn't the usual place for cheeky statement pieces, this season Viktor & Rolf sent frothy gowns down the runway dotted with grabby statements that you've likely already seen splashed across Instagram.
Givenchy
Fringe was a common theme among many of this season's couture shows, but the colorful pompom-esque details at Givenchy stood out.
Dior
Dior's collection was dotted with ethereal ball gowns and nods to the season's circus theme, including the models' clown-inspired makeup looks. Designer Maria Grazia Chiuri also delivered crisply tailored suiting in surprising cuts.
Alexandre Vauthier
A continual red carpet favorite, this season the designer focused in on this Hollywood glamour glamour, presenting a collection tinged with sparkle and complete with '80s-inspired silhouettes. Strong shoulders, short hemlines, and plenty of sequins were all part of the equation.
Ralph & Russo
This season's collection drew inspiration from the Mexican actress María Félix, who rose to fame in the 19040s. Glamorous beading, colorful suits, and wide-brimmed hats all made more than one appearance.
Giorgio Armani Privé
Fringe, sculptural headpieces, and strong primary colors all were highlights of the latest Armani collection that paid homage in part to the Art Deco era. Though '80s-inspired details remained (like the trim blazers and sequins throughout), the collection married the eras in a bold way.
Schiaparelli
Designer Bertrand Guyon presented a whimsical collection bursting with color and volume in a way that feels reminiscent of a child's dream closet. This furry floor-length coat feels worthy of a magical trip somewhere cold.
Giambatista Valli
Volume (or lack thereof) was at the core of this season's collection, which contrasted between sweeping trains and frothy tulle, and sleek '70s-era silhouettes. Its easy to image Oscars contenders making their ways down the red carpet in the collection's high-impact designs.
