Couture may only be a brief few days but each spectacular show is
filled with intricate details begging for a second glance. Today at Valentino, models
resembled modern-day Renaissance princesses, clad in elaborate lace and
fur-trimmed gowns, herringbone tweed cloaks, and sumptuous embroidered
silks and jacquards. The closing gown combined rich wine velvet with a
skirt covered in all manners of flora and fauna. Over at Maison Martin Margiela, the theme was elegant kitsch; masks
came in an array of materials, including one over-the-top creation
covered in flowers that merged seamlessly to form a breastplate of
sorts
Shows traditionally close with the presentation of the la mariée, and Elie Saab and Jean Paul Gaultier
offered up two very different visions of the bride. At Saab, it was
pure glitz and glamour with a sparkling gold veil so massively encrusted
with rhinestones, it required three bridesmaids to adequately assist
the bride as she made her grand entrance. Gaultier went the humorous
route, citing a Fellini film on circus performers as an inspiration with
a clown-like hat taking the place of a veil and a voluminous jumpsuit
in lieu of a gown. Naturally, the leg had a hearty heaping of beading.
Click ahead to see these, along with what you may have missed so far, in
greater detail.