Artisanal and Atelier Collections this Season in Haute Couture

Fall/Winter 2016–17 Haute Couture week took place in Paris in early July. There, we saw a handful of jaw-dropping collections, including a sexy range of shapes through Alexandre Vauthier’s sequins, mesh, feathers, bows, belts, leather, silk, and fur; sleek silhouettes in stand-up structured sleeves, wide-cut trousers, and accordion, cone, and sunray pleats from Chanel; contrasts of black and white through a reimaged Bar suit, light organza volumes, and fixed gold embellishment from the house of Christian Dior; pouf sleeves, empire waistlines, and tulle confections by Giambattista Valli; artisanal garments with bridge textiles, knotted wools, and inverted, never-ending volumes from Maison Margiela; and elegant Swarovski crystal–adorned cashmere evening coats, alluring draped dresses, and extravagant gowns by Versace.