Haute couture shows to follow this season

Newcomers

While Bouchra Jarrar has presented as an “invited guest” in the past, this will be the first time the label presents a collection with the official haute couture appellation, which was awarded by the French Commission for the Classification of Couture Design (Commission de Classement Couture) last December. In light of this, fashionistas and industry professionals will pay close attention to the latest collection from the young Moroccan-born designer, who honed her skills at Balenciaga and Lacroix before founding the label that bears her name.

Another design house bound to make a splash this season is Schiaparelli, whose official return to the haute couture calendar was approved last November. The legendary Italian label, which was bought out by an Italian investor seven years ago, will present its first collection since the arrival of creative director Marco Zanini, formerly of Rochas.

Key players

This season as usual, fashionistas and celebrities from around the world will vie for a ticket to the haute couture shows from Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier, two timeless labels that never fail to impress.

For the presentation of last season’s Chanel Haute Couture collection, Karl Lagerfeld conjured up a dramatic, post-apocalyptic atmosphere at the majestic Grand Palais, with a décor resembling a crumbling abandoned theater. Audiences are most likely in for an equally surprising and original décor from the eccentric couturier this season.

But it was Jean Paul Gaultier who surprised us the most with his Fall-Winter 2013 collection, including a number of provocative and seductive panther-woman looks. The piece de resistance in this exceptional collection was probably the look presented by the curvaceous French reality TV star Nabilla, who wore a tall chignon twisting skyward and a black bustier dress lined with panther-printed fur. Once again, the style world is eager to see how Jean Paul Gaultier will outdo himself once again this season with yet another quirky yet glamorous collection.

A special event for Giorgio Armani Privé

For the presentation of its Spring-Summer 2014 collection, the Italian design house is hosting a very exclusive event, titled “One Night Only.” Following the presentation of the latest Giorgio Armani Privé collection, invited guests will view the “Eccentrico” exhibit, where the brand will display gowns, accessories and jewelry from the Giorgio Armani Privé couture collections dating from 1985 to present. Before coming to Paris, the exhibit has been on display in London (2006), Tokyo (2007), Beijing (2012) and New York (2013) among other cities.