Couture week in Paris is a reminder that the clothes many people consider to be the most splendid in the world are accessible to only a select few with means and connections. That doesn’t mean the shows are not fun to see.
The latest installment, in late June, was full of thrills, thanks partly to exceptional presentations by the designers Robert Wun; Nicolas Di Felice, who developed the newest Jean Paul Gaultier couture collection; and Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli, whose collection for that house showed off his eye for timeless silhouettes and resplendent details. Another standout was Thom Browne, who used lighter fabrics to create intricate pieces that seemed practical and breathable — two words not often used to describe couture.
Outside the shows, the style in the crowds was a mix of formal attire and street wear. Sartorially, it has become harder to tell the difference between fashion superfans (students, bloggers) and industry fixtures (editors, A-listers). The former group, largely because of technology, has greater access to the type of holy-grail clothes that were once primarily the domain of the latter. That might seem at odds with the premise of exclusive events like couture week. But in my opinion, the more people who look fabulous, the better.
Painstakingly coifed hair and peculiar platform shoes backstage at Thom Browne.
A devilish headband with brows dyed to match.
A golden Thom Browne look made more ornate by its fabric buttons.
This shimmering Dior trench had a corresponding bodysuit.
The sleek, form-fitting creations in Nicolas Di Felice’s collection for Jean Paul Gaultier were an antidote to the relaxed silhouettes that have proliferated in fashion.
An eye-catching pairing of polka dots and oversize sunglasses.
Vogue’s Anna Wintour, right, chose a similar look with heels that complemented her dress’s pattern.
The flowing skirt screamed Disney princess.
Gauzy fabric gave a lightness to the dark gown.
Reaching to show off that dress at the perfect angle.
Molly Chiang, a Taiwanese influencer, looked regal in this purplish high-shouldered confection.
The actress Maya Rudolph looked just as queenly in this sky-blue number with a ruffled collar.
Viktor & Rolf’s collection featured many more extreme silhouettes.
The texture and color of the runway at the Schiaparelli show made it seem a little as if models were walking on water.
A strong outfit completed by simple accessories.
A dewy face framed by copper braids.
Chains and grommets and studs, oh yes!
The actress Quinta Brunson cut a statuesque figure outside the Dior show.
A punky aura diluted the sweetness of this coquettish ensemble.
People are always on the lookout for celebrities at couture week.
Thoughtful touches to their outfits included rings on almost every finger.
Quilting met volume in this explosion of tulle.
Miss Fame, a drag artist, demonstrating the truism that any street can be turned into a runway.
The supermodel Karlie Kloss evoked a stylish sea anemone in a spiky Schiaparelli jacket and matching hat.
Backstage at Dior, staff wore white gloves to handle delicate fabrics.
A rose in the bosom of the shirt livened up these black-and-white stripes.
This rose’s petals brought out the soft drapes in the jacket.
A palpable chemistry helped their outfits pop.
Pinkish-blond hair played well with a bronzed complexion and darker makeup.
A sheer face covering did little to mask Kylie Jenner’s radiance at the Schiaparelli show.
An assemblage of sparkly mini dress, fingerless gloves and cape that dazzled passers-by.
The final look at the Robert Wun show was a dress that conjured the cosmos — or the inner workings of the soul.
