Paris Haute Couture 2021: Here's Everything You Need To Know

The good times are finally coming back, and by good times, we mean the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week 2021! 

 

Yes, the Paris Haute Couture is here once again to replenish your thirst for over-the-top gowns and fashion looks. They're a true reflection of top-notch craftsmanship from fashion designers all across the globe. 

 

During this year's Paris Haute Couture Week, you will witness eight live runway shows spread over four days in July. This is the largest number that will be seen at any significant fashion week since the pandemic began in March 2020. 

 

This article will guide you through everything you need to know about fashion week!

 

History of the Haute Couture fashion week 

 

 

Haute coutures have a long dated history. These fashion shows are the brainchild of Charles Fredrick Worth, who first created the celebratory fashion week in 1858. It was in 1945 that “Haute Couture” gained a legally protected status, granted by the then-minister in charge of the committee led by the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture. Since then, Haute Coutures have been entitled to certain advantages in regards to the costs and supply of raw materials required. 

 

Who organizes the Haute Couture fashion week?

 

Every year, the Haute fashion week in Paris is conducted twice by the Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion La Chapeau. The organization is responsible for facilitating the relationship between buyers, creators, influencers, photographers, journalists. The organization also publishes the official calendar, specifying dates and times for each show. 

 

Who is invited to the Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week 2021?

 

 

Usually, in such fashion shows, the people invited range from different industries, positions, and experiences. There are fashion buyers from prestigious boutiques and international department stores. Others who are present in the first two rows of such fashion shows are friends, family, and important acquaintances of people behind the scenes, journalists, prominent celebrities, and influencers. 

 

The elite show does not sell “tickets” or invites to global audiences per se. However, you can always enjoy this year’s couture and get a look at the latest silhouettes just by looking forward to their live streams. 

 

Multiple brands, like Chanel, are going to live stream their entire collection for the world to witness. 

 

Calendar for the Haute Couture fashion week for July 2021

 

Getting back after COVID-19 

 

For a long time, fashion houses and famous designers suffered due to the pandemic. Many of these fashion designers had to postpone their shows multiple times to maintain the safety of people working behind the scenes. 

 

However, keeping in mind the lifting of restrictions in Paris and impeccable sanitation provisions in the fashion show premises, the designers and the organizers have decided to conduct the show in July. 

 

The show will focus on the fall-winter collection for the 2021-2022 period, and many budding designers are looking forward to it. 

 

When is the Paris Haute Couture fashion week in 2021? 

 

The fall-winter collection for 2021-2022 at the Paris Couture week spans four days, i.e., from Monday, July 5 to Thursday, July 8. 

 

The events and presentations will begin at 01:00 AM (PST) and end at 11:00 AM (PST) every day. 

 

What to expect?

 

There will be 34 designers and fashion houses presenting their collections to the world! 

 

Divided into four days, you are going to be witnessing the designers mentioned below:

 

July 5th, 2021, Monday

 

The day starts with Schiaparelli, flawlessly showcasing their vision. Followed by Schiaparelli, we will witness Ulyana Sergeenko, Iris Van Herpen, Georges Hobeika, Christian Dior, Azzaro Couture, Maison Rabih Kayrouz, and Giambattista Valli being the final presenter. 

 

What can you live stream? 

 

On this day, you can live stream the events of Christian Dior and Azzaro Couture. 

 

July 6th, 2021, Tuesday

 

The next day begins with Chanel showcasing their much-awaited collection, followed by Alexis Mabille, Stéphane Rolland, Julien Fournié, Alexandre Vauthier, RVDK Ronald Van Der Kemp, and Giorgio Armani Privé as the final presenter. 

 

What can you live stream?

 

The only show you can live stream is of Giorgio Armani Privé. Another notable thing to check out is the films of the show presented by Chanel after the end of their presentations. 

 

July 7th, 2021, Wednesday

 

The most awaited day by audiences for a year now, July 7 will have many designers and fashion houses making a comeback after a long time. 

 

The day starts with Yuima Nakazato, followed by Franck Sorbier, Balenciaga, Elie Saab, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Viktor & Rolf, Zuhair Murad, Rahul Mishra, and ends with the presentation by Charles de Vilmorin. 

 

What can you live stream?

 

You can live stream the events of Balenciaga, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Zuhair Murad on July 7. 

 

For more detailed information on the events, you check out the full official calendar of events. 

 

July 8th, 2021, Thursday 

 

The final day of the couture week ends with a bang! The day starts with Aelis presenting their collection, followed by Julie de Libran, Imane Ayissi, Fendi Couture, Christophe Josse, Maison Margiela, Vaishali S, Maurizio Galante, ending with the much-awaited Pyer Moss Couture event.

 

What can you live stream?

The only show you can live stream is by Vaishali S.

 

Things not to miss!

First Black-American couturier 

 

Kerby Jean-Raymond is going to be the first Black American designer to present his collection at the elite event. The exciting addition of Kerby Jean-Raymond’s brand Pyer Moss is highly anticipated. 

 

The American label is all set to display its collection to the world on July 8. 

Pyer Moss has become a household name in the New York fashion scene, with its collection focusing on not just trends but thought-provoking silhouettes and politically charged designs. 

 

The personalization of Jean-Raymond depicts the story of Black activism, social commentary, and the debates in the clothes itself, which is always something to look forward to. 

 

Clothes by the designer have been worn by Vice-President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and many other famous personalities. 

 

The return of Balenciaga 

 

July 2021 will witness the first couture show by Balenciaga in 53 years, presented by Demna Gvasalia. Their last Haute Couture was presented in 1968, after which the doors to the Atelier were closed. 

 

Cristóbal Balenciaga’s original couture salon, which was shut down for the past five decades, is being restored for this historic event that will display the genius that is Balenciaga. 

 

The event is even more historic because it marks the return of an in-person fashion show for the entire couture as social distancing rules are easing since the pandemic began in March 2020. 

 

Sacai designer Chitose Abe’s collection for Jean-Paul Gaultier

 

The fall/winter 2021-2022 collection for Jean-Paul Gaultier will be designed by Japanese designer Chitose Abe. 

 

The previous couture collection presented in 2020 marked the retirement of Jean Paul Gaultier. Since then, they have revealed the brand is going to make strategic changes to its design and creativity, led by Chitose Abe from Sacai. 

 

Jean-Paul Gaultier is known for its innovative, original, and subversive feminist designs. Added to this the brilliance of smart-casual clothing by Abe, the brand will take a leap of faith in this year's couture show. 

 

Conclusion 

The pandemic has brought a lot of difficulties since it began last year. However, the Paris Haute Couture Week 2021 breathes new life into the fashion industry as the city slowly starts lifting the restrictions. 

Do not miss out on any show! Who knows what might inspire your future bridal dreams. You can follow major fashion influencers on social media and live your dream!