Haute couture dazzles with its artistic and artisanal brilliance, offering unique pieces that, especially at this time of year, emerge in a kaleidoscope of rich textures, bold colours, and dramatic silhouettes.
With a touch of luxury and elegance, velvet, satin, and brocade dominate the scene. Velvet is paired with metallic accents, intense hues, and jewel-like details that reflect the magic of masterful craftsmanship. Designers like Elie Saab, Dior, McQueen, and Armani have incorporated these textures into their Autumn-Winter 2024/25 collections. Joining them are brands like Schiaparelli, where haute couture becomes a special intersection of fashion and artisanal craftsmanship. This season, intricate lace, hand-sewn bead embroidery, hand-painted fabrics, textured layering, and dimensional contrasts define modern silhouettes in bold yet delicate creations.
Elie Saab’s collection, prominently inspired by Slavic themes, harmonises majestic textures in a gothic symphony of shadow and light. Alexander McQueen, on the other hand, unveiled a collection marked by raw opulence, featuring compressed and elongated silhouettes, inlaid details, and sculptural meshwork. The legendary haute couture house founded by Elsa Schiaparelli celebrated its renaissance in May 2012 at Place Vendôme 21 – the same location where Schiaparelli opened her boutique and ateliers on 1 January 1935. This legacy, now revitalised, exemplifies its mastery in each of its new haute couture offerings.
Launched in 2005, Giorgio Armani Privé Haute Couture epitomises Armani’s style of elegance and sophistication, crafted by the most skilled artisans to meet the refined demands of an exclusive clientele. Last but not least, Dior’s Odes to Mary Stuart stands out, inspired by Scottish artisanal traditions and the iconic figure of Mary Stuart. The silhouettes reinterpret the visionary queen’s style, from romanticism to punk, featuring tweed ensembles and prodigious haute couture embroidery echoing that of Holyrood Palace.
