FASHION /
WOMEN
July 21, 2016
Terumi Hagiwara's Series Vol. 150 | Elegance from the Paris Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2016-17 Collections
Paris Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2016-17
Valentino: Medieval Aristocratic Attire; Dior: Monotone Focus
Elegance symbolizes eternal beauty. This season's haute couture featured a lineup of classic styles based on elegance. However, elegance does not remain static; it evolves slowly but surely with the times. Valentino offered variations with balloon skirts and long boots, while drawing inspiration from 400-year-old medieval ruffle styles. Dior also challenged new directions, using organza skirts and wide pants as a base, building upon their iconic bar jacket.
Text by Terumi Hagiwara
A Flowing Bow-Tie Blouse Paired with a Long Skirt
Completed with Flat Long Boots—VALENTINO
Autumn/Winter 2016-17 Paris Haute Couture Collection.
During the five days of couture, Vetements, designed by Demna Gvasalia, presented its Spring/Summer 2017 ready-to-wear collection (typically shown in September). The final day's high jewelry exhibition was a significant presentation, as it would not be shown at the September Biennale (general exhibition). The shows increasingly featured Asian designers, and the number of new designers presenting through individual presentations also rose by about 20%.
Closing the shows was Valentino, consistently delivering impeccable collections. This year marks the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. The collection presented medieval aristocratic attire, inspired by Shakespeare's era and its characters. Layered white ruffle collars peeking from small, collarless jackets were striking. The masculine style, with slim pants tucked into long boots, was a fresh departure for Valentino's typically dress-heavy collections. The designs were remarkably simple, yet felt new. Accessories in burnished gold, crafted from pearls and leather, added a feminine touch. Instead of sweet lace, sharp details like slits with bows and lace-up mesh were prominent.
The flowing bow-tie blouse, paired with a knee-length flared skirt, is a standout piece one would want to wear. Alongside the mountain boots that appeared in the ready-to-wear line, this season's flat long boots are also poised to become popular. The finale featured a Valentino red gown. The following day, it was announced that Maria Grazia Chiuri, who had served as co-designer for eight years, would be leaving the maison to become the designer for Dior. We look forward to Dior's future creations as well.
Long-Sleeve Knit with Wide Pants
Styled with Thong Sandals—DIOR
Dior presented its collection, designed by the atelier team, in a small salon. Building upon the classic bar jacket, the looks were paired with organza-layered skirts or wide pants. The collection, primarily in black and white, featured voluminous sleeves and skirts, offering a clean aesthetic. Thong sandals completed the looks for a realistic styling. The long-sleeved knit paired with wide pants is a top recommendation for this autumn.

Terumi Hagiwara | HAGIWARA Terumi
Fashion Director
Covers the New York, Milan, Paris Ready-to-Wear, and Paris Haute Couture collections each season. Contributes numerous articles and columns to fashion magazines and newspapers. Also directs select shops.
Official Bloghttp://hagiwaraterumi-bemode.com/





