I had the amazing opportunity to write a guest post for LA Mag regarding my experience at Paris Haute Couture Week. I am so happy to share an extract of the article. Access the full article here.
I always think of Couture in early July as a summer treat, one that brings together heritage, innovation and artistry at its highest level.
Opening Paris Fashion Week with Patou
Patou – shot by Julia Comil
My week began on July 6 with the Patou show, one that I always look forward to. Creative director Guillaume Henry presented a collection with a focus on romantic silhouettes and a vibrant palette of pale yellow, black, pink and white. The many references to the ‘80s — such as the polka dot motif — are reminiscent of the effortless Parisian Patou girl.
Patou – Captured by Julia Comil
Rahul Mishra
Rahul Mishra – captured by Julia Comil
Next up, Rahul Mishra’s Becoming Love collection is a journey into love and inspired by Sufi mysticism and the seven emotional stages of devotion. Fusing Gustav Klimt’s opulent aesthetic with traditional Indian embroidery techniques, the couturier presented gilded heart motifs, black roses, gold and pearly silhouettes, poetically representing the stages of romance.
Rahul Mishra – captured by Julia Comil
Yanina Couture
Yanina couture shot by Julia Comil
A black and white palette forms the foundation of Yanina Couture’s tribute to artistic heritage, blending archival silhouettes with modern craftsmanship and intricate techniques, like Richelieu cutwork. Each look evokes a goddess-like presence with chic reinterpretations of royal robes and baroque ornamentation, oozing femininity, quiet strength and timeless elegance.
Yanina couture shot by Julia Comil
Yuima Nakazato
Yiuma Nakazato – captured by Julia Comil
Conceptual Japanese designer Yuima Nakazato expressed a theme of protecting the body through his couture collection. Inspired by a trip to frozen Finland, Yuima channels the humans need for protection through sculpted silhouettes, bold metallic accents and diagonal cuts and layers; garments become metal armors that safeguard the body.
Yiuma Nakazato – captured by Julia Comil
ArdAzAei
Ardazaei shot by Julia Comil
At ArdAzAei, couture is inspired by the sea and its elements. Intricate pleating, layered fabrics and flowing silhouettes made of light, luxurious materials are shaped to resemble corals, seashells and jellyfish, creating soft, sculptural textures with delicate touches of pearls and embroideries on corsets, dresses and headpieces.
Peet Dullaert
Peet Dullaert – captured by Julia Comil
Peet Dullaert’s sculptural silhouettes were nothing short of captivating — stones elegantly contour the body, while soft ruffles introduce a romantic tension to the razor-sharp tailoring. The absence of music nodded to the show’s “silent symphony” theme.
Peet Dullaert – captured by Julia Comil
Rami Al Ali – Closing Paris Couture Week
Rami Alali – captured by Julia Comil
Closing couture week with Rami Al Ali was a study in modern elegance, showcasing the Syrian designer’s signature textile layering technique. Fusing tradition with contemporary design, the collection emphasizes sculptural volumes and structures, seen through the use of pleats, fringes, embroidery and beading work on a lot of dresses that have entered my personal wish list.
Rami Alali – captured by Julia Comil
Beyond the runways, it’s not Haute Couture without Haute Joaillerie. As always, renowned maisons — such as Boucheron, De Beers, Chopard, Chaumet, Messika, Damiani and Tasaki — presented spectacular, one-of-a-kind creations that lit up Paris with brilliance and artistry.
Nature in all its forms and a palette of colored stones emerged as running motifs across this season’s high jewelry collections. From journeys through Africa, Italy and Japan to poetic interpretations of trees and blooms, each maison translated its inspiration into exquisite, wearable art. It was a kind celebration of nature. Diamonds may be eternal, but nature is our fleeting miracle: precious, fragile and worth protecting.
À bientôt!
Julia Comil