Fashion’s elite were out in Paris last week for Haute Couture Fashion Week, which ran from July 1-5, to see the incredible collections from designers like Chanel, Christian Dior, Elie Saab and Jean Paul Gaultier. And while more headlines tend to come from the celebs who attend the shows — this year it was Kimye who caused a frenzy at Stephane Rolland — we’re always interested in seeing what wild and fashion forward creations these designers come up with. With only a handful of people in the world who can actually afford to buy couture (dresses can cost upwards of $25,000 or more), most of what tends to go down the runway might as well be called art. We saw some gorgeous creations we’d love to see head down the red carpet, but also saw some designs that were pretty shocking. Here’s 7 that took the cake.
Seen at: Giambattista Valli
First impressions: A gorgeous shade of burgundy, the voluminous top half looks to be swallowing this poor model whole, in real life will look stunning in a paired down ruffle top.
Seen at: Jean Paul Gaultier
First impressions: While we can appreciate the flapper references, those gold cut-out bracelets remind us of shackles and the collar looks a little tight. Has Gaultier been reading Fifty Shades of Grey?
Seen at: Maison Martin Margiela
First impressions: Can do without the face mask, Lady Gaga – it’s all yours. Loving the lace layering.
Seen at: Julien Fortune
First impressions: Who doesn’t want a weird sea-creature like thing growing out of their dress? Um, no thank you.
Seen at: Frank Sorbier
First impressions: You’ll really get your money’s worth with this dress. Walk in the room, it looks one way, but when the lights go out – tada!
Seen at: Alexis Mabile
First impressions: More heavy ruffles near on top. We are starting to see a trend here. Oh yes please don’t try constructing the hair at home, best left to the professional theatrics of the couture runways.
[Frank Sorbier and Julien Fortune runway photos courtesy Startraks, the rest courtesy Style.com]
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