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Paris Haute Couture Week last day round up: Shakira was front row at Fendi’s impressive, high jewellery-inspired show, Imane Ayissi brought the colour – and Chloé confirms Gabriela Hearst is leaving

Models present an initial parade of nude creations by Kim Jones at Fendi during the Women’s Haute-Couture Fashion Week in Paris on July 6. Photo: AFP
Models present an initial parade of nude creations by Kim Jones at Fendi during the Women’s Haute-Couture Fashion Week in Paris on July 6. Photo: AFP

  • Shakira, Cardi B, Zoe Saldana, Naomi Watts and Lily James sat front row at Kim Jones’ collection of shimmering emerald green, ruby red and sparkling diamond jewellery-inspired creations for Fendi
  • Meanwhile Cameroonian designer Imane Ayissi transformed traditional African fabrics into colourful couture, and avant-garde jeweller Repossi staged a show in a garden on Paris’ left bank

Fendi put a fitting exclamation point on Paris couture week by drawing an A-list crowd to the opulent Palais Brongniart. Naomi Watts, Zoe Saldana, Cardi B, Lily James and Shakira were among the celebrities seated front row for a show that dazzled with its artful fusion of jewellery-making and deceptively simple couture.

Elsewhere, fashion whispers were finally confirmed: Gabriela Hearst is stepping down as the creative director of Maison Chloé after a brief but impactful three-year tenure. Hearst, the first female designer with multicultural roots (Uruguay and United States) to lead a Parisian fashion house, has been a transformative force at Chloé since her appointment in December 2020.

Here are some highlights of the last day of fall couture shows on Thursday:

Sparkle and shine: Fendi literally puts the bling in couture

Kim Jones initially sent his models out in strikingly nude ensembles, before the jewel inspired collection began. Photo: AFP
Kim Jones initially sent his models out in strikingly nude ensembles, before the jewel inspired collection began. Photo: AFP
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“This season, our focus was on embodying fluidity, drape and shape through couture techniques, while harmonising these elements with the contemporary spirit,” declared Kim Jones, Fendi’s designer.

One piece was a fluid emerald green satin gown that cascaded down the model’s body, shimmering with the dynamism of a precious gem. Photo: Xinhua
One piece was a fluid emerald green satin gown that cascaded down the model’s body, shimmering with the dynamism of a precious gem. Photo: Xinhua

The show began with a strikingly neutral ensemble, seemingly a second skin, acting as the prelude to the jewellery-inspired collection. The design skill was evident in its huge, eccentric sleeve that darted out narrowly from the shoulder, capturing imaginations. In stark contrast came a fluid emerald green satin gown that cascaded down the model’s body, shimmering with the dynamism of a precious gem.

A model presents a vibrant, ruby red creation by Kim Jones at Fendi’s autumn/winter 2023/2024 haute couture show on July 6. Photo: Xinhua
A model presents a vibrant, ruby red creation by Kim Jones at Fendi’s autumn/winter 2023/2024 haute couture show on July 6. Photo: Xinhua

Figure-defining silhouettes in vibrant ruby red and jet black were showcased by models, their forms distilled down to their essential sinews. A cream sheath, brought to life with an Asian-inspired waist wrap, bore finely carved groove lines, invoking the refined artistry of jewellery craftsmanship.

At Fendi, Kim Jones presented a deceptively simple collection, which was met with enthusiastic applause. Photo: Xinhua
At Fendi, Kim Jones presented a deceptively simple collection, which was met with enthusiastic applause. Photo: Xinhua

Looks that seemed to unfurl from the shoulders left necklace-less necks provocatively bare, as if in anticipation of an exquisite adornment.

A model presents a creation from Fendi’s autumn/winter 2023/2024 haute couture collection during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua
A model presents a creation from Fendi’s autumn/winter 2023/2024 haute couture collection during Paris Fashion Week on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua