Les Papillons de Paris

Last week was the Spring 2014 Haute Couture Fashion show in Paris.

Those who have read my prior fashion posts understand that I don't look at fashion the same way most of the world does.  I'm not very concerned at all as to whether or not something is wearable or will sell.

What interests me most is the craftmanship and artistry of the designers, embroiderers, stylists and dressmakers.  To me, haute couture is one of the greatest textile "art shows" and it's free for us to view. 

Embroidery, beading, sewing and embellishment, all combine to tell a story or deliver a point of view.

To be called a haute couture house, a business must belong to the Syndical Chamber for Haute Couture in Paris, which is regulated by the French Department of Industry.

Members must employ 15 or more people and present their collections twice a year.   Each presentation must include at least 35 separate outfits for day and eveningwear.

What I love most is that the entire look from hat to shoe is hand constructed and we can learn a lot about construction and the combining of textile art forms by studying these works of art.

This Spring is the season of the butterfly...

And it was the collections of Jean Paul Gaultier...

and Valentino that captured my heart the most...

There were wool applique coats with organza dresses floating beneath, covered in feathery butterflies.

Eye witness accounts of show attendees marveled at the butterfly coat below when the butterflies quivered as the model walked the runway...

My favorite Valentino dress was this Garden of Eden number...

Check out its stunning embroidery and how the choice of a sheer gray fabric was the perfect complement to the muted shades of olive, ombre and peach...

Did you notice the feather boa that was draped across Eve?

Gaultier took the theme to its most literal conclusion and the result was captivating.  I enjoyed seeing the use of feathers combined with stiffened net to make these butterfly headpieces...

And the collection seems to use a lot of netting that gave the appearance of woolwork or cross stitch.  Combine the gridwork of the netting with sequins and crystals and you get a pretty cool effect...

My most favorite dress being this example below...

I absolutely love how the grid was used to make a pattern with sequins and crystals but still has an overall casual effect.  

Now this is something that we absolutely could replicate...you can bet your last dollar that I'll be looking a grid fabrics in a whole new way...

I'd wear that one in a heartbeat.

This last example from Gaultier caught my eye because of the three rhinestone butterflies on the shoulder, waist and hip of this model...

It reminded me of the stumpwork butterfly I made for my Breakfast at Tiffany's piece...

I have plans to make a few more versions of this beaded butterfly later this Spring.

Happy Monday everyone.  Spring is coming and so are the butterflies...