The Haute Couture 2015 shows did not disappoint the awaiting fashion crowds; from Elie Saab’s princess-worthy ball gowns, to Karl Lagerfeld’s two history-making shows – a celebrity endorsed casino scenario for Chanel and a full fur celebratory show for 50 years with Fendi. We rounded up all the trends as seen on the couture catwalk…
Fur Florals for spring
As ever, florals made a welcome addition to the trends at Haute Couture. From Christian Dior’s pointillist prints, to Versace’s floral crowns and the statement shoulder-length earrings of Giambattista Valli, each designer set out to remind us of the feminine beauty of the humble flower, which can be used to adorn both modern and classic garments. The intricate nature of a flower’s detailing made for some incredible displays of craftsmanship. Notably, Karl Lagerfeld adorned many of his garments for Fendi with large flowers made from fur.
Maximum impact Fur Coats
Fur coats were touching the toes of the models at the Alexandre Vautheir and Ralph and Russo shows, worn with 70s-inspired jumpsuits in a nostalgic nod to decades passed. Ulyana Sergeenko also opted for the floor-length trend, producing classic fur designs in a variety of colours. Jean Paul Gaultier took a more masculine approach and produced robe-like fur lined coats paired with nautical outfits.
Monochromatic Coloured Furs
Black and white remains a firm favourite amongst trends and continues to produce looks that are both timeless and chic. Karl Lagerfeld utilised this to his advantage during the Fendi show, documenting the evolution of the brand in a number of monochrome looks. This included oversized fur coats, sleeker designs and luxurious fur stoles in blacks, whites and greys. Serkan Cura opted to forecast the future, and brought whacky, eccentric designs back down to earth with a neutral colour scheme.
Haute Couture Fur dresses
Dresses are always a wardrobe favourite and, in fur world, this is no different. The Haute Couture designs truly explored how to incorporate fur into a variety of garments. Serkan Cura produced a stunning wine-coloured fox gilet-come-dress and accessorised the model only with flat shoes and colourful make up, while Karl Lagerfeld stole the show for Fendi via a corseted dress with fur skirt, trim and shawl. “The Kaiser” Karl also produced a number of fur dresses with striped cut out detailing for a sleek, modern look.
Fur Accessories
The simplest of outfits can be transformed by the right accessories, and this is knowledge that the couture designers demonstrated in their 2015 collections. Looks were finished head to toe with fur at Alexandre Vauthier and Ulyana Sergeenko. Shoes were decorated wih fur pom-poms at Sergeenko (by Christian Louboutin) and fur tassels swung from the ankle straps of fuschia pink and black-heeled sandals at Alexandre Vauthier. Sergeenko also worked with milliner Stephen Jones to create sweet mink bonnets, while Fendi and Jean Paul Gaultier opted for luxurious fox fur stoles to complete a number of their looks. Classic fur evening bags were the perfect accompaniment at Elie Saab.
Stately Fur Sleeves
Christian Dior used fur in an innovative way, accentuating salmon and pale blue neoprene coats with stately fur sleeves. These were paired with tweed collars and chiffon dresses, to show the full array of Dior’s creativity with material and design.
Playful Fur Pom-Poms
The fur pom-pom is fast becoming a fashion favourite and is an easy addition to any outfit to inject some fun and fur. Maison Margiela adorned the bottom of a skirt with a fringing of pom-poms that swung about the model’s knees as she walked. Ralf and Russo multiplied the dainty fur pom-pom until it fashioned a thigh-length cape, in a chic all white ensemble. Ulyana Sergeenko chose fur as her bag of choice and models carried a large fur pom-pom dangling from a dainty strap, or clasped ice-cream cone bags topped with bright coloured fur.
