Haute Couture, long synonymous with opulence and extravagance in the fashion industry, has recently taken a more nature-inspired turn. The Spring-Summer 2019 season saw a significant shift towards celebrating the beauty of the natural world in couture collections across various fashion houses.
Valentino, under the creative vision of Pierpaolo Piccioli, paid homage to nature in a unique way by naming each passage in the collection after a different flower. This attention to detail emphasized the delicate beauty found in the natural world, creating a stunning showcase of floral-inspired couture pieces.
Chanel, led by Virginie Viard in the absence of Karl Lagerfeld, completely transformed the runway setting into a picturesque Tuscan countryside retreat. The incorporation of a garden and swimming pool added a touch of nature to the presentation, showcasing a new perspective within the world of haute couture.
Giorgio Armani and Jean-Paul Gaultier also joined the nature-inspired trend, drawing influence from Asia and the Russian countryside respectively in their collections. These exotic interpretations of nature added a unique flair to the couture week in Paris, demonstrating the versatility of nature-inspired fashion on the runway.
Schiaparelli and Ronald van der Kemp opted for a more experimental approach, with Schiaparelli’s “Dream of Stars Flowers” collection and van der Kemp’s upcycled, found material garments pushing the boundaries of nature-inspired design in haute couture.
Emerging couturiers Julien Fournié and Azzi & Osta further solidified the trend with their nature-themed collections. Fournié’s leather gowns and Azzi & Osta’s Chinese silk road-inspired pieces showcased a deep connection to the environment, highlighting the beauty of nature through their unique designs.
In a time where sustainability and environmental awareness are at the forefront of global conversations, the resurgence of nature-inspired haute couture is a welcome shift. Designers are now using their creativity and talent to showcase the wonders of the natural world in their collections, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability within the realm of high fashion.
To explore more nature-inspired haute couture collections, check out Vogue’s Fashion Shows and Harper’s Bazaar’s Top Spring 2019 Couture Shows.
