Feminine Pastels Reign At Paris Haute Couture 2018

Regional creative forces Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad and Rabih Keirouz were three of the designers who added a sweet touch to their stunning haute couture gowns via cool and soft pastel colours.

Kaia Gerber on the catwalk

There’s nothing like the haute couture shows. First there’s Paris in July, then there are all those dreamy, one-of-a-kind dresses people come from all over the world to see. Intricate, worth an astronomical amount and fit for a princess, some of the handmade and custom creations take several months to complete.

Acne Studios

Adut Akech for Chanel
As usual this year, we had all the magical and opulent glitz and glamour we’ve come to expect. Go big seemed to be a predominant trend for autumn/winter 2018, with houses like Ulyana Sergeenko, Alexis Mabille, and of course Giambattista Valli, who is known for his extra frothy gowns, all displaying voluminous pieces. While Armani Privé focused on feathers, Chanel offered an energetic take and Maison Margiela’s avant-garde colourful, cropped jackets stood out.

Lebanese heavyweights Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad made us go gaga over sequins, as did Clare Waight Keller's tribute to the late Hubert de Givenchy and his muse Audrey Hepburn as the actress’s rendition of “Moon River” was playing in the background. Other than his gorgeous gowns, Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino runway confirmed huge hair is back with a bang. Jean Paul Gaultier’s attention to detail was uncontested, while Stéphane Rolland’s raw pieces gave us goosebumps. For Christian Dior, Maria Maria Grazia Chiuri went for a more basic approach, even with her brides, who walked in neutral mesh designs.

Whether with layers of tulle, feathers, crystals or sequins, a pastel colour palette seemed to take centre stage. Pastels are totally in and if we’re only allowed one piece of proof, it’s that Karl Lagerfeld’s bride, played by Adut Akech, strutted down the aisle in pistachio. Being so ladylike, with their innocent air, ethereal light hues and gentle nature, we’re not surprised the world’s best fashion designers went for these sweet shades.

Whether it’s a yellow sorbet, milkshake pink, baby blue, pistachio or an oh-so lush lavender, click through to see how your favourite designers made ice-cream hues a delicious feast for the eyes.

Alexina Graham for Zuhair Murad