Paris Haute Couture Week shined with multiple dimensions and larger-than-life imagination, supporting and enhancing every divine moment of the day and night. Whitewall takes you front and center with the best of Paris Couture Week, including the grand presentations of Rahul Mishra, Elie Saab, Tamara Ralph, Ashi Studio, and Robert Wun.
Rahul Mishra Explores the Enigmatic “AURA”
Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti, courtesy of Rahul Mishra.
The enigmatic “AURA” which billows from every living soul was placed at the heart of the Rahul Mishra Couture Fall 2024 collection. Spirited and mysterious, an investigation into this shimmering electromagnetic field, and the ways in which it unites us with our vast universe, unfolded on the runway in rapturous fashion. Variations on a sophisticated black and white palette took center stage, with surreal use of sequins, thread embroidery, rhinestones, and glass beads creating highly sculptural and wearable works of art.
Luminous fabrics ebbed and flowed as if radiating from the body itself, in both airy lightness and across geometric metal structures. The masterful craftsmanship of the house’s ateliers was placed on full display, deeply honoring hand embroidery techniques specific to the Indian subcontinent. Inspired by the god-like figures of Hindu mythology, scintillating gowns, capes, robes, and headpieces shone with multiple dimensions and larger-than-life imagination.
Elie Saab Beckons with “An Enchanted Serenade”
Courtesy of Elie Saab.
Elie Saab beckoned guests into “An Enchanted Serenade” for the Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2024/25 runway show, revealing a parade of celestial goddesses swathed in nature’s regal patterns. Gothic and ethereal tones and silhouettes were intertwined on a diverse series of gowns which unveiled the glimmer of bare skin at melodic intervals. Chic opera gloves led the way to sensual materials like velvet, a symphony of jubilant beading, and whimsical gold lurex embroidery.
Bustiers embraced the torso with fierce yet angelic grace, while delicate organza easily cascaded down the body like a moonlit river all the way to the floor. Luscious shades of cream and silver evolved to warm ruby and blackberry, and eventually to glistening turquoise and ebony. Hypnotic use of ombre proved a must-have for evening, and elongated stoles of ostrich feathers sealed the fate of unforgettable adventures ahead.
Tamara Ralph’s “LOST IN LOVE” Paradise
Courtesy of Tamara Ralph.
Against the historically romantic backdrop of Paris, Tamara Ralph’s pivotal Autumn/Winter 2024-2025 Couture runway presentation gifted the epitome of French charm and finesse. “I am delighted to return to Paris for my seventeenth season of couture, which also coincides with the first year anniversary of debuting my namesake brand,” said Ralph. “The past year has been an incredible journey, and I continue to feel honored and grateful, knowing that I am doing what I love most and sharing this infinite passion with the world.”
The city’s fantasy-like utopia inspired lustful and polished gowns and suiting embellished with lace, crystals, sequins, and pearls. The use of mirrored materials echoed dreamlike scenarios along the Seine, with a combination of ruby red and pale pink sending hearts soaring. Tender roses and orchids were placed at just the right moments, as were elegant bows. Graceful hats debuted in alluring shapes, with veils or feathers, adding the perfect touch of Parisian mystery.
Ashi Studio’s Meditative Fall 2024 Collection
Courtesy of Ashi.
The Ashi Studio Fall 2024 Couture collection was profoundly meditative, unfurling into protective and blithe silhouettes in transcendent shades of silver, cream, gold, and onyx. Each meticulously crafted look bloomed with significance for designer Mohammed Ashi, supporting and enhancing every divine moment of the day and night.
A cocoon-like ivory jacket was both shelter and showpiece, with lyrical embroidery evoking flora and fauna, while a gown in cosmic silver isolated one shoulder with supernatural sculptures. Black was elevated to a heavenly shade in the hands of Ashi Studio, as a floor-length robe was a feast for the eyes with twinkling embroidery, while feathers beside lace brought levity and sensuality to an asymmetrical dress. An avant-garde jacket in a soft shade of bone was worn casually off the shoulders, with infinite strands of beads falling from the singular garment like a sacred shower of stars.
Robert Wun’s Surreal and Dark Romance
Courtesy of Robert Wun and Go Runway.
A surreal and dark romance unfolded on the Robert Wun Fall 2024 Couture runway, unveiling the London-based designer’s signature, theatrical hats, architectural shapes, and provocative embellishments in jewel-toned colorways and a myriad of radiant materials. An otherworldly black and white ensemble set the show off to a mysterious start, with a mermaid-shaped gown and coordinating veil enhanced by shards of crystals, which evoked the effects of a dazzling ice storm.
Continuing the poignant theme of enveloping oneself in the sanctity of nature, a parade of striking looks—including gowns and a sweeping coat—were awash with butterflies in flight, autumn leaves reveling in decay, and a whirlwind of fresh cherry blossoms. Umbrellas served as a chic accessory throughout, cloaking the visage at will and building on every moody and decadent ensemble. An attention to grecian-like draping was spotted, sensually wrapping around the female form from torso to ankle. Moments of monochrome crushed velvet certainly beguiled, as did an immaculate masterpiece of beading—spotlighting the body’s majesty like a second couture skin.
