J.Lo Shimmer, Saab Shimmers, Piccioli Mojo: Paris Fashion Week

_{Elie Saab's creations take center stage as models grace the runway during Paris Haute-Couture Spring/Summer 2024 Fashion Week on January 24, 2024. (Photo by Thomas SAMSON / AFP)}

On the third day of Paris Spring Couture, Jennifer Lopez stole the limelight at Elie Saab's Marrakech-inspired show, bringing an electric atmosphere to the Palais de Tokyo. Saab's collection showcased classic couture with arabesque motifs, featuring floor-sweeping chiffon and crepe gowns in sandstone tulle and pastel hues. The grand finale, a breathtaking bridal gown with an embroidered train, blurred the line between craftsmanship admiration and celebrity spectacle.

Valentino, under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, marked a milestone in couture with a blend of subtle color blocking, whimsical elements, and a touch of minimalism. Silver embellished paillettes and eye-popping colors added a disco-oriented vibe, while diaphanous feathers took on a modern edge. Piccioli navigated the delicate balance of preserving Valentino's heritage while injecting his evolving vision, achieving a triumphant collection that captured the audience, including luminaries like Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Jenner.

Viktor & Rolf defied convention with daring deconstruction, cutting up couture garments to blend historic elements with a rebellious edge. The collection ventured into abstract deconstruction, evoking fearsome elegance and tragedy. By slashing and altering traditional designs, Viktor & Rolf challenged viewers to see fashion from a new perspective.

Yuima Nakazato's couture show presented a theatrical 'blood wedding,' delving into darker realms of fashion. Models adorned with armor-like neck clasps and ethereal silhouettes waded through a lake of blood-colored liquid. Nakazato showcased sustainable innovation, using textile waste for garments and incorporating traditional Japanese techniques in kimono-inspired draping. The collection featured darker hues, sculptural jewelry, and avant-garde aesthetics, offering a unique blend of drama, eco-consciousness, and craftsmanship