Despite all the difficulties that the fashion industry had to face due to the pandemic, haute couture continues to stand firmly on its feet and is preparing for the next season. Couture shows fall-winter 2021 will be held from 5 to 8 July. Here, not only big houses, but also young talents will present their new collections, which will expand the horizons of the oldest and most prestigious Fashion Week.
History of Haute Couture
Immediately after the Second World War, in 1945, the Parisian Haute Couture decided to organize a show, highlighting the collections of the most revered houses, including Chanel, Christian Dior, Schiaparelli and Givenchy. Participants were tasked to create unique outfits, as well as fulfill a number of special conditions. Among other things, they were required to demonstrate an exceptional imagination, pay special attention to detail and create a collection in the shortest possible time in order to meet the established schedule. Since that moment, couture Fashion Weeks have taken a special place in the industry's coordinate system, giving designers a huge scope for self-expression not only in clothes, but also in organizing shows.
Season Autumn-Winter 2021
This season, we expect a mix of virtual and offline formats. Dior, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier (designed by Sacai founder, Chitose Abe) and Balenciaga, which will return to the Couture Week schedule after a 53-year hiatus, will host live shows with special guest lists, while Fendi, Maison Margiela and Schiaparelli will hold digital presentations.
Another not-to-be-missed event is the debut couture show for New York-based brand Pyer Moss, which will also be held online. Its founder and creative director, Kerby Jean-Raymond, will be the first African-American designer to take part in Haute Couture Fashion Week. The presentation of the second couture collection by young talent Charles de Vilmorin will also be virtual. Peter Mullier, Raf Simons' right-hand man at Jil Sander, Dior and Calvin Klein (you probably remember him from the 2014 Dior and Me documentary), will present his debut work as Alaïa Maison's creative director outside the main event. And of course, do not forget about Valentino - the fashion house will showcase its new collection in Venice a few days after the end of the official Week.
