With Paris Haute Couture fashion week wrapping up Thursday, Paris Modes TV founder and Relaxnews senior advisor Marie-Christiane Marek gives us her impressions. Fabrics, colors, iconic pieces: here is her roundup of the top Fall/Winter 2012-2013 couture trends.
Relaxnews: What was your overall impression of this latest Haute Couture fashion week?
Marie-Christiane Marek: It was a really lovely week of couture in Paris, intense, with moments of surprise and great beauty. The main event of this edition was of course Raf Simons' debut collection for Dior.
R: Was there a specific piece that really got your attention?
M-C M: Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier's respective reinterpretations of the tuxedo.
R: What were the main color trends?
M-C M: Pastels, especially pink, seen in a mutable form in the petals in Giambattista Valli's magical garden, as well as at the Dior and Chanel shows. In fact, it is one of Karl Lagerfeld's favorite colors. Powder pink was also seen at Valentino, a dawn-like pink at Armani and oriental pink at Elie Saab.
R: What silhouettes and fabrics were favored by the designers for Fall/Winter 2012-13?
M-C M: One discovery was the ultra precious "millefeuilles" at Dior in the form of narrow multi-hued mesh, as well as the faux fur at Chanel, the shapes at Stéphane Rolland and Elie Saab's tulle skirts. I also loved the pink ruffles at Valentino. All of those presentations showcased intricate embroidery -- inspired by an Ottoman palace at Elie Saab, Valentino used it lightly in brocaded pieces, while it played a key role at Jean Paul Gaultier in the art deco styles.
R: What are the key accessories of the season?
M-C M: Little veils and fishnet in the hair are back, as seen at at Jean Paul Gaultier, Armani and Dior. Feathers will be seen on winter brides. They were seen on Chanel's bridal coat and on Georges Chakra's bridal headpiece. But all the brides were extraordinary and inspiring, especially at Elie Saab. Stéphane Rolland chose Chinese actress Fan Bingbing to wear his bridal design.
R: Which presentation did you enjoy the most?
M-C M: Giambattista Valli's -- it took my breath away.
