“Fashion should be a form of escapism, and not a form of imprisonment” a known quote by Alexander McQueen. Paris lauds Haute Couture as being the ultimate fashion experience which makes the unattainable seem attainable. Clothing is an art form; is a means of conserving and memorializing artisanal ceremonies and a reminder that more than fast fashion collections every few months, clothing should be well-made, well bought and well-guarded for generations to come. Craftmanship, detailing and precious finishing as always the epicentre of all the haute couture collections. This season some of the most magnificent trends got a shout-out on the runway for spring/summer 2023. Despite intense labour and days of detailing required, couturiers this season also displayed a sharp priority on feminine colours and the playfulness of the fabrics. Haute Couture is about the designer’s dreams and the magic of the impossible and of the extraordinary.

The qualities of an ideal scandal Fashion is no stranger to scandal just like noncontroversial is no word for Daniel Roseberry’s recent collection. Schiaparelli’s spring/summer 2023 collection raised many eyebrows after he sent faux taxidermy from animal heads down the runway. A feat of virtuoso skill in the traditions of Elsa’s proclivity to outrage, or a troubling reference to big-game hunting? The debate on social media platforms still going on. There was a little fault in the tailoring at Schiaparelli. While Chanel and Dior kept their old masterpieces at their best. Haider Ackermann got inspiration from Balmain’s boy Olivier Rousteing. Valentino's Pierpaolo Piccioli ahead of his show said to the press “of course it's about craft, and we talk about that all the time, but I also love it when couture feels effortless, it's all about the feeling of having something for yourself. It's kind of democratic in a way, in the idea of showing this freedom of being whoever you want to be.” the wizardry of haute couture lies in the illusion of things, the grand display of some of the most mind-boggling workmanship came through Valentino's oyster shell paillettes, Fendi’s
lace-effect wool, Ackermann’s artisans embroidered over 200,000 pins by hand to metallically hirsute tracks suits and overcoats. After the season of neons, perhaps, the appetite for softer hues came to play. Pale purples and peaches with roasted baby pink, a model walks the runway holding and placing gowns with the look inspired by 1950s and 60s Barbie dolls.

Viktor and Rolf's approach had colourful bouffant updos with baby bangs and dark roots, classic A-line gowns in pastel tones, featuring plenty of tulle with well, detached from the dresses. They appeared with dresses that were fully separate from their bodies, flipped sideways or even better, they were upside skirt down the corset
attached to the body. Armani Privé hinted at lingerie and flapper girl silhouettes.

Indian fashion designers

On day one, Indian couturier Rahul Mishra displayed a euphoria of the cosmos in his collection “Cosmos”. 23rd January his digital collection went live followed by a physical show in Paris. In his own words “ Most

mind-blending of all were the phenomenally intricate embroideries- find fronds, whorls, and waves- produced by more than 1000 artisans from Indian craft communities” it was a splendid endorsement of Indian heritage, culture and the richness of the fabric. While Gaurav Gupta dropped his fabulous haute couture collection called “Shunya”. Frozen strokes of dancing wind in infinite forms, sculpted in gold and silver hand-woven tissue while the elemental dresses in black and nude, strategically reveal the form in its pristine state. The sculptural draping

forms in indigo electric blue in satins, chiffon and organza represent a sense of futurism. According to well-known fashion journalist Suzy Menkes, Gaurav Gupta’s collection set out to show the depth of creation and imagination without an absolute focus on colours. She added furthermore saying it was almost as though the themes focused instead on serenity, with super-light layers that seemed to be only just touched by human hands. Such an effect requires great skill, “Delicacy” is a word that is almost out of fashion.

But GG showed how to combine subtlety and serenity. In GG’s own words “ I have tried to explore the movement

possibilities between zero and infinity” and gold with black was inspired by ancient Egyptian civilization, proving how the designer’s the mind stretches far and wide.

A tremendous way to kickstart 2023, on a high-fashion note and with Paris Haute Couture Week ending. The fashion world is fully affixed to chase the trends, such as statement collars, Trompe l’oeil texture, plunging necklines, sheer tops, harlequin chic aesthetics, slip dresses, and more... The best looks commemorated the most fictitious and out- there week of the fashion calendar descended upon Paris with invariably imaginative pieces on the runways.