For anyone keeping track of fashion news, the first week of July was an eagerly awaited period. It was when fashion elites flocked to Paris for the Haute Couture Week. Known for its exquisite workmanship and striking attention to detail, haute couture can be described as the pinnacle of fashion. While these beautiful creations stay tantalizingly out of reach thanks to their exorbitant prices, it is always possible to use them as inspirations to shape our daily style. Read on to find out about moments that made it to fashion diaries and how our favorite labels shaped autumn winter 2016 fashion trends.

The Romance Of History

If you’re wondering how to give your trendy clothes a romantic twist, you need look no further than Valentino for inspiration. The couture house, known for its dramatic floor length gowns, paid tribute to the Shakespearean era this season. What we can take away from the breathtaking show is that high, ruffled necks should definitely be part of our fashion styles, alongside defined shoulders and delicate puffy sleeves. There was also a healthy dose of the fashion label’s signature shade, Valentino red.

Like Mother Like Daughter

For all the budding fashionistas, this fashion week brought reason to rejoice thanks to Elie Saab, who gained notoriety in India for being a favorite of Sonam Kapoor, fashion trendsetter. His gorgeous creations were accompanied down the runway by adorable miniature versions. This collection is also where you need to look if you’re wondering how to wear a velvet dress. The rich fabric was juxtaposed with dreamy chiffons and tulles, complete with glittering embellishments. Incorporate the deep hues for a classy look this winter.

Hair-Raising Fashion

Eagerly awaited by the curators of fashion news, Chanel’s show did not disappoint. The entire runway was transformed into an atelier, or workshop, to show the true roots of the collection. In a particularly touching tribute, creative director Karl Lagerfeld took his bow accompanied by the seamstresses of the couture house, who are generally relegated to being behind the scenes. The collection set the scene for some new trends in fashion, including hairstyles. The models were seen with an impressive curly bouffant, highlighted by bow-accented ribbons. The brand’s signature elements, tweed and the famous Chanel suit, were redesigned to reflect the latest fashion trends.

New Fashion Styles For Makeup

From Dior to Maison Margiela, John Galliano’s shows always give the fashion blogs something to talk about, this time being no different. Holding the barest hints of avant-garde style, the clothes came out in a riot of colors and unique draping styles. What stood out, however, was the makeup: bright splashes of colors, sometimes all over the models’ faces. While it may not seem realistic to walk out sporting face paint all over, you can adopt this fashion trend by opting for bold eyes or lips in unconventional shades.

Boho Chic Meets Vintage Glamour

Regularly worn on the red carpet, Zuhair Murad’s collection was a delightful mélange of romantic fabrics and modern silhouettes, while staying true to the latest fashion of velvet dresses. The solid shades were accentuated by sheer insets and intricate embroidery. The collection also showed us a great accessory to pair with our trendy dresses this winter, hats! Whether perfectly coordinated or in contrasting shades, they give dramatic floor-length dresses a lovely hipster twist.

Monochrome Rules

Through all the extravagant fashion styles and elaborately crafted designs, one fashion trend stood out, both for its simplicity and timeless elegance – the monochrome look. This classic combination of black and white was seen across runways, displayed by fashion labels ranging from Dior to Armani. One of the easiest styles to pull off, it looks flattering on just about anybody.

So this winter, slip into that monochrome suit, top it off with a floppy hat, add a dash of Valentino red lips, and call yourself haute couture ready!

Picture courtesy - vogue.com,