Runway 3 July
2017

Schiaparelli Couture Fall/Winter 2017-2018

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On a beautiful Monday morning, the fashion pack headed off to see Bertrand Guyon’s visual interpretation of Schiaparelli’s Couture Fall/Winter 2017-2018 collection. With surrealism etched at its very core, the French label had always demonstrated artistic inspirations and contemporary representations of fashion. Today, the show was called “Shocking Society”. Perhaps a clever connotation to Elsa Schiaparelli’s “Shocking Pink” signature color?

The opening look featured an all-white long-sleeved overall that was seemingly embellished with side pockets and gold and silver embellishments, setting the tone for a very serene collection. And one by one, models made their way onto the runway in silhouettes that combined Schiaparelli’s surrealism with French elegance. Swarovski crystals cascaded down dresses, while lavish embellishments juxtaposed themselves unto a white canvas. The House’s moniker motifs such as the lobster and the juxtaposed faces were boldly contrasting with the designs. Ankle-grazing tulle skirts beautifully blended with structured jackets and see-through arm-length gloves were elegantly paired with plunging necklines. If there was a name for something that mixed sophistication and modernism ever-so perfectly, it would have definitely rhymed with that of Schiaparelli. Trompe-l’oeil designs were ever so present, appearing in the form of belts, collars and bracelets, as a nod to a designer that was very much ahead of her time. With feminism and modernism taking center stage, the collection was sparkling with deconstructed silk gauze dresses, shocking pink tones, ombré silhouettes and lamé tartan designs, finally ending on a very “white” note.

Cindy Menassa