Handcrafted, Like an Object—“Real” Couture Garments

Recently, the Paris Haute Couture collections have featured presentations from a wide array of designers, from established couture houses to ready-to-wear brands and emerging creators.

“For me, couture is more real than ready-to-wear. Ready-to-wear is just boring,” says Iris van Herpen, a notable designer in her second year of presenting collections. Originally from the Netherlands, she studied in London and now shows her collections at Paris Haute Couture. Her coat dress with an A-line silhouette, crafted from layered vinyl, creates a beautiful shape. She constructs body dresses by patchwork-ing materials of varying textures, such as leather, metal, beads, and vinyl. The glossy finish, transparency, and handcrafted, object-like quality are striking.





Valentino presented a series of flowing dresses, combining sheer chiffon with matte satin. The jacquard pantsuits, adorned with gold and silver embroidery, exude an oriental mood. These are real, elegant couture garments.





Giorgio Armani Privé presented elegant pantsuits in a refined shade of midnight blue, alongside pieces in a gradient from grey to black. The relaxed, rounded shoulders characteristic of Armani, paired with flowing pants, are timeless.