A PARIS HAUTE COUTURE DIARY: DAY THREE

words by JVB • Fashion

A day full of heavy-hitting couture names: Chanel, Vauthier, Givenchy, Armani. AND SO MUCH MORE.

PRESENTATION 1: DIOR

I start my day with a quick trip to Morocco…Earlier this year the “fashion crowd” was invited to a spectacular trip to Morocco by Maria Grazia Chiuri and the house of Dior to assist a stunning show of Resort 2020. Unfortunately, I was unable to join, as often, due to shootings. So I was happy to finally get to see the collection “in flesh.”

I fell in love with the perfect sandals. Need them now! The collection included exquisite craftsmanship and beautiful African prints. Those prints in combination with the luxury of craftsmanship of the House are quite unique.

PRESENTATION 2: MESSIKA

The Messika family know diamonds. Valérie Messika’s presentation of jewelry was every woman’s dream. The diamond chokers? Pure paradise. I was paralyzed by the beauty and exquisite detail. Loved every minute of being blinded by ice! 

I might be back soon…. maybe…

RUNWAY: CHANEL

I am obviously thinking of Karl while entering the Grand Palais. The thought of his knife sharp humor puts a smile on my face. This is the first solo couture show for Virginie Viard. As I expected, Karl’s vision was kept very much alive. The Grand Palais had a “theme” as usual.

This time around: Mademoiselle Chanel’s library at her 31 Rue Cambon apartment. Some girls resembled librarians wearing glasses, well, a very chic version of a librarian. Most of the silhouettes were floor-length, and rather intellectual looking. Bravo Virginie!

RUNWAY 1: ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

A part from the fact that Celine Dion delayed the show by 45 mins  (understandably, the crowd could not get enough of her, nor the paps!) it was an absolute delight. Particularly alluring were the masculine silhouettes dotted throughout the collection. This appeared to be a very different, yet sexy Vaulthier. And I am all for it.

Between shows, the car becomes my office. And with Parisien traffic, I get a few moments to catch up on work: editing pictures from the shows, writing notes for my team, checking in with the kids, and answering emails that poor in as New York awakes. 

Having Nicole (Kidman) in town to attend the Armani show tonight, adds a little extra excitement to my day. A lot goes into making sure everything is just right and she is ready to go.

RUNWAY 3: ARMANI Privé

I love the opportunity  to see a show with Nicole. You got the sense that this particular Armani show was quite emotional – he is one of the last BIG masters in fashion design and couture. It brought a certain thoughtfulness and nostalgia to the presentation. A lot of the looks were kept in pastel hues, with rich embroideries.

It was like watching sparkly pastel clouds meander down the runway.

RUNWAY 2: GIVENCHY

Givenchy Fall 19 Couture, aptly titled ‘noblesse radicale’, was a gorgeous display of creature-like designs. The looks transported you to another place, where fantasy and indulgence are the norm. Even the hair resembled that of an exotic bird in some looks. Look 47 was an incredible combination of pleading of all different types of fabrics, laces and organza that created an illusion of feathers. Each design felt unique, yet there was an evident synergy throughout the collection. A sense of experimental freedom from Claire Waight Keller.

DINNER: ÀCHEVAL

I do love my Argentinian Friends! I was invited to attend a dinner hosted by Sofia Acheval and  Lucila Sperber, of brand Àcheval Pampa. The newly launched label is inspired by traditional Argentinian clothing (and lucky me! I was generously gifted a gorgeous bag from their collection when I arrived to Paris). 

The evening was held at the newly opened ‘secret spot’ in Galleries Lafayette, and to my absolute delight we were ” fed” by Caviar Kaspia, one of my absolute favorite Restaurants in Paris. The evening was a complete success, thank you Sofia & Lucila!

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