Haute couture clientele seek the boldest and most intricate looks for the glitzier events on their social calendar. The Oscars’ red carpet is always a runway for outfits made of our wildest dreams and this February 26th will be no different. Here are the Haute Couture Looks We Would Love to See on the Oscars’ Red Carpet.
By Sophia Liao
At Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri grounded the fantastical elements of couture with more natural ones. She softened the aesthetic of the Dior New Look by designing pleated peplums, adding volume to sleeves and creating swirls in skirts. Dior Haute Couture suddenly became paradoxically attainable and elevated.
Dior Haute Couture 17
Dior Haute Couture 17
Dior Haute Couture 17
Dior Haute Couture 17
Dior Haute Couture 17
At Schiaparelli, Bertrand Guyon took surrealism to another level with both Elsa Schiaparelli and the iconic French photographer Guy Bourdin in mind. Schiaparelli’s favorite ornate lock and lobster symbols embellished several looks and the opening look featured a rendition of Schiaparelli’s classic birdcage pendant necklace which adorned a double-faced cashmere cape and dress. Guyon channeled the 70’s with delicate vintage looks that took on an edge with the feminist revolution as captured through Bourdin’s lenses. Guyon managed to pay homage to the house’s specific motifs and history with a lightness that allowed for this century’s innovations to also shine through.
Schiaparelli Haute Couture 17
Schiaparelli Haute Couture 17
Similarly undermining expectations, Giambattista Valli ensured that couture made less sense in real life by sending creased looks down the runway. Short dresses were actually trailed by ruffles, all done in an attempt to surprise the viewer. At the end of Valli’s show however, one thing became crystal-clear: ball gowns are back and better than ever.
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 17
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 17
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 17
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture 17
With an unusually understated set, Karl Lagerfeld worked his usual magic at Chanel. The segue between Chanel suits with emphatic shoulders and contrasting belts and evening dresses adorned with sparkle and feathers was evident. As Lagerfeld’s plethora of feathers floated by, audience members became absorbed in their own flights of fancy.
Chanel Haute Couture 17
At Armani Privé, Oscar nominees Nicole Kidman and Isabelle Huppert watched as looks with every variation on the color orange strutted down the runway. To cater to both of their tastes, tailored looks and more whimsical dresses made appearances. The saturated tones seen at Armani will definitely do more to stun than clash with the carpet.
Armani Haute Couture 17
Armani Haute Couture 17
Armani Haute Couture 17
Armani Haute Couture 17
Alexander Vauthier always knows how to make a fierce and sexy statement and his outfits were full of surprises at every turn. A crop top paired with denim shorts was a red faille ball gown in the back. ‘80s necklines and one-shoulder silhouettes topped off tiny LBDs. Forget the energy of the models and the crowd; the energy of the clothes stole the scene.
At Elie Saab, sleeves enhanced elegant silhouettes and beaded dresses sparkled under the runway lights. For celebrities to consider as they get ready for the red carpet: sparkling sunglasses that match the beading on Saab’s dresses.
Elie Saab Haute Couture 17
At Zuhair Murad, loud fireworks embellished numerous outfits while at Valentino, Pierpaolo Piccioli let Greek myths and legends manifest in the pure and simple silhouettes of flowing, floor-length gowns.
Zuhair Murad Haute Couture 17
Without a doubt, Murad and Piccioli’s designs would look right at home on the red carpet. Here are some of my favorite looks from the January Paris haute couture runways that would translate nicely onto A-listers at this year’s Oscars.
Valentino Haute Couture 17
Valentino Haute Couture 17
Valentino Haute Couture 17
Valentino Haute Couture 17
-SL
1 comment
These are so beautiful, I sure hope we do see some of these at the Oscars!