The iconic Grand Palais is converted into the serene poolside of a Mediterranean mansion (Photo credit: Chanel)
Cover The iconic Grand Palais is converted into the serene poolside of a Mediterranean mansion (Photo credit: Chanel)

Couture is an art that commands a respectable amount of skill, beginning from sketching on paper to creating the design. Housed up in buzzing ateliers, seamstresses stitch fabric, embroider and add beads by the hour, in a familiar atmosphere occurring before every collection is put on showcase. Everything is done to uphold the glorious details and craftsmanship. In retrospect, this year's haute couture from Chanel is an accolade of their historical prowess, while Givenchy exhibits a groundbreaking collection that's underlined by modernity. Giorgio Armani presents classics with a contemporary twist, while Ralph & Russo's creations are a worship of the feminine form. Giambattista Valli, goes without saying, is a celebration of extravagance. It's an elevation of attire, that essentially, pays homage to the brilliant men and women who are responsible in weaving these stories.

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 25 Romanticism of 18th century France is emulated in the collection for the modern woman (Photo credit: Chanel)
Photo 2 of 25 Chanel's Metiers d'Art ateliers have also hand-painted some ceramic flowers sewn onto the dresses (Photo credit: Chanel)
Photo 3 of 25 Ostrich feathers and elaborate prints making their mark in the series (Photo credit: Givenchy)
Photo 4 of 25 Fringes on gloves are a daring take on '20s fashion (Photo credit: Givenchy)
Photo 5 of 25 The couture of Giambattista Valli are made pronounced by the variety of textiles ranging from tulle to silk (Photo credit: Giambattista Valli)
Photo 6 of 25 A level of campiness accentuated by layers and layers of tulle (Photo credit: Giambattista Valli)
Photo 7 of 25 A long train gives drama to the couture of the maison while the fez hat is influenced by the diverse '80s fashion (Photo credit: Giambattista Valli)
Photo 8 of 25 Ruffled and shiny sleeves and the set of pear-shaped diamond necklace recalls on the style of "It women" from the late '80s (Photo credit: Giambattista Valli)
Photo 9 of 25 Chopard provides the haute joaillarie for the collection such as this sapphire and white diamond earring (Photo credit: Giambattista Valli)
Photo 10 of 25 Fringes given a rainbow makeover are elemental in the collection (Photo credit: Givenchy)
Photo 11 of 25 The large bow on the back of dresses is a recurring accessory that's an avant garde twist to femininity (Photo credit: Givenchy)
Photo 12 of 25 The sequins of the swimsuit took days to finish and the look redefining bridal attire has been a conversation starter during Paris Couture Week (Photo credit: Chanel)
Photo 13 of 25 The collars of dresses turned inside out mimic boleros to reinvent the little black jacket (Photo credit: Chanel)
Photo 14 of 25 The iconic Grand Palais is converted into the serene poolside of a Mediterranean mansion (Photo credit: Chanel)
Photo 15 of 25 Not limited to a single theme, Givenchy haute couture emphasises on structure and volume through cut-out patterns and floral trends (Photo credit: Givenchy)
Photo 16 of 25 A controversial material, latex is used in this two-piece ensemble produced in collaboration with atelier Atsuko Kudo (Photo credit: Givenchy)
Photo 17 of 25 The pearl-embossed headband represents the classic elegance of Givenchy (Photo credit: Givenchy)
Photo 18 of 25 A sleek wedding dress with a haunting veil is a key look from the show (Photo credit: Giorgio Armani)
Photo 19 of 25 A wavy collar sets a cool tone for this floral suit (Photo credit: Giorgio Armani)
Photo 20 of 25 Giorgio Armani privé merges Oriental patterns with the booming style of the Jazz age (Photo credit: Giorgio Armani)
Photo 21 of 25 Feathers strategically stitched onto a dress make for a refined poncho (Photo credit: Ralph & Russo)
Photo 22 of 25 An elaborate snake belt cinches the waist of a green suit creating a reptilian vibe (Photo credit: Ralph & Russo)
Photo 23 of 25 It took a team of seamstresses and embroiderers to work on a couture dress especially one with intricate features (Photo credit: Ralph & Russo)
Photo 24 of 25 A banana printed dress is a tribute to South American fiestas and Latin American glamour, the theme of Ralph & Russo haute couture (Photo credit: Ralph & Russo)
Photo 25 of 25 A one shoulder cream dress extended with an embroidered cape depicts sensuality and passion (Photo credit: Ralph & Russo)