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