The term Haute Couture literally translates to “high dressmaking” from French. Couture originated in France, where it is still prevalent today, as the term Haute Couture is protected by law and can only be used by fashion houses approved by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. Originally, couture referred to custom made garments created entirely by hand. These days, couture refers to high end, luxurious, and fashion forward designs. Couture is where fashion starts, as it filters down into Ready-to-Wear and then out onto the streets. Spring 2018 Couture has come to a close, but its fashionable ramifications are only just beginning. Let’s take a look at what Couturiers around the world created for Spring 2018 Couture.

Cape Dress

Couture is all about elegance and glamour, so it’s no surprise to see this modern classic making its way down the runway. Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition’s stunning fairy tale photo shoot does the cape dress justice, as the model looks like a princess who has locked herself away with all of her beautiful garments. Elie Saab’s ornate cape dress features feathered shoulder pads, giving this glamorous gown a royal edge, almost as if the model is a Queen who has just returned from battle. Giambattista Valli’s simple white dress is buckled by beautiful bows affixed with pearls and other gems, and Ralph & Russo’s feathered dress looks like it fell from an angel.

Captivate with these fabrics:

Party Suits

Leisure suits and conversational prints have been the popular suit trend thus far, but Couture took it a step farther with party suits. Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition’s sequin suit looks perfect for a party in a recording study, celebrating an upcoming artist’s newest project, while Alexis Mabille’s looks better suited for the after party. Ronald can der Kemp’s beautiful blue suit features a beautifully ruffled blazer, and Zuhair Murad’s white suit with well-placed fringe is perfect as unconventional wedding attire.

Bring the party with these fabrics:

Puffed Sleeves

Puffed sleeves give soft, sweet air to any garment, but designers still know how to edge them out. Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition’s girlish dress features ruffled, puffed sleeves, while Alexis Mabille goes for a more mature, sleeker look with a beautiful blue dress and matching, puffed sleeved jacket. Ronald van der Kemp’s cheetah blouse really pops with contrasting black puff sleeves, and Valentino doesn’t push the puff too much, letting the trench coat speak for itself.

Get puffed with these fabrics:

Salmon

Ultra Violet may have been the color of the year, but salmon is the color of Couture. Alexis Mabille extends a blazer into a maxi dress in a beautiful salmon shade, while Armani Price opts for a more conventional, layered over the perfect grey pants. Giambattista Valli goes big with a tulle gown in salmon, and Schiaparelli goes for a sleeker look with relaxed tulle, salmon layered over a variety of rich reds and pinks.

Flip through these fabrics:

3D Flowers

3D details have been popular for 2018, but flowers seemed to bloom for couturiers this year. Alexis Mabille’s dress transitions beautifully into a large flower of the same material as the dress, while Guo Pei’s stunning dress has metal stems and flowers leaping from the garment, showing off the beauty of Couture. Ralph & Russo twist their gown into several flowers, utilizing pleats in a whole new way, and Viktor & Rolf affix flowers to a beautiful blouse.

Stand out with these fabrics:

What Couturier inspires you? Let me know in the comments!