Haute Couture Heats Up Paris in Record Heatwave

Haute Couture Week in Paris recently concluded, showcasing the latest in custom, handmade fashion from elite houses such as Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Dior. These designs, each demanding hundreds of hours of meticulous work, were presented amidst record-breaking heat. The exclusive event, governed by the French fashion industry's official body, drew a constellation of celebrities, including Bad Bunny and Cardi B.

Notable collections included Daniel Roseberry's 'The Call of the Void' for Schiaparelli, featuring bold designs worn by attendees like Bad Bunny in a butter yellow suit. Balenciaga's new creative lead presented looks honoring founder Cristóbal Balenciaga's signature styles, with Gigi Hadid modeling a striking black feather cocoon. Jean Paul Gaultier's show, under Duran Lantink, explored themes of transformation and playfulness, inspired by Marie Antoinette.

Chanel's collection offered a whimsical escape, with fairy tale-inspired designs and a backdrop of vines. Jonathan Anderson's work for Dior nodded to sculptor Lynda Benglis, while Iris van Herpen presented scientific-themed garments incorporating plasma. Lastly, Schiaparelli's collection highlighted duality, with designs that transformed and played with color palettes of black, silver, and gold.