An ode to the otherworldly

Haute Couture is about thinking beyond the conventional norm and calling for the highest level of craftsmanship. With the Spring Summer Couture shows the high fashion houses of Europe have once again lifted common confections to open up visions of cosmic exploration and ethereal extravagance. As designs were heading for outer space through 3D forms or space age inspired shapes, some of them were heading directly for outer space. Their designs prepare us for the look of the anticipated metaverse, which will defy rules of physics and materiality through digital possibilities. But aside from such otherworldly designs, several couture shows pushed a reset button as well. With stripped-back colour palettes and a refreshing body-positivity, couture houses kept playing with undressing elements of the RTW market. From cut-outs that liberate torsos and erogenous zones to deep slits that free the leg, a new lean and edgy couture look is on the rise. The corset similarly depicts this new empowered femininity and is used in unexpected layering that feel new to couture.

Celebrating womenhood

Several iconic pieces, including tailoring sets, bodysuits and shorts are adding a sense of authenticity and RTW newness to couture and surprised us  across numerous shows. Similarly fresh, rainbow-colored designs are splashing the RTW energy boosting effects onto haute gamme and push for an optimistic outlook. With more laid-back craft, some designers maintained a sense of tangibility and authenticity and displayed the growing concerns surrounding consumerism and fashion. On that note Dior focused its show on sustainability and celebrating art with its SS22 haute couture show proposing a reusable exclusive runway that now turns into a publicly accessible space offering cultural entertainment and fashion education. Take a look at some of those new couture elements and see how digital and mindful trends transcend to the haute couture market from RTW for the SS22 season.