Chanel Hits Playful Note at Haute Couture Show in Paris

Dior Couture Spring-Summer 2020. Credit: Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty Images
Dior Couture Spring-Summer 2020. Credit: Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty Images
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Chanel Hits Playful Note at Haute Couture Show in Paris

Dior Couture Spring-Summer 2020. Credit: Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty Images
Dior Couture Spring-Summer 2020. Credit: Francois Guillot/AFP/Getty Images

Chanel creative director Virginie Viard took a spirited direction for the French fashion house's spring haute couture show, sending models out of hulking, stylized animals crafted from cardboard and wood.

They emerged, one at a time, circling the towering statues like ringmasters, in bouncy, cheerleader miniskirts, floral jumpsuits and shimmery tweed jackets, Reuters said.

The opening look set the tone - an ivory, double breasted coat, buttoned snuggly across the chest before flaring out, the feathery fringe of a miniskirt poking out below.

On her head, the model wore a black top hat, its brim gently sloped, while flat sling-back shoes accentuated her long, bare legs.

Viard pared down the superfluous often associated with haute couture, offering mostly trim silhouettes, with just enough flounce, when it came to fuller skirts, or restricting the color palette when it came embellished looks, like a full length ivory coat covered in ruffled pleats.

An elephant-shaped structure rolled in for the finale, and out stepped the bride, in an airy, ivory tulle bustier dress that fell below the knee, paired with gold boots that rose above her ankles.

During her bow, Viard drew artist Xavier Veilhan, who designed the set, out from the risers while the audience cheered.

The Paris haute couture shows, which include some of the most prestigious names in fashion like Georgio Armani Prive, Jean Paul Gaultier and LVMH-owned Christian Dior, run through Thursday.



Recovering Giorgio Armani Says he Will be Back in September

FILE PHOTO: Designer Giorgio Armani appears at the end of his Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 collection show for Giorgio Armani Prive in Paris, France, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Designer Giorgio Armani appears at the end of his Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 collection show for Giorgio Armani Prive in Paris, France, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
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Recovering Giorgio Armani Says he Will be Back in September

FILE PHOTO: Designer Giorgio Armani appears at the end of his Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 collection show for Giorgio Armani Prive in Paris, France, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Designer Giorgio Armani appears at the end of his Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 collection show for Giorgio Armani Prive in Paris, France, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

The founder of Italian fashion house Giorgio Armani issued a message as he turned 91 on Friday to say that he will be back in September, after a health problem forced him to miss the Milan and Paris fashion shows in recent weeks.

It was the first time Giorgio Armani has missed one of his catwalk events, Reuters reported. His company said last month he was recovering at home, without elaborating on his health, while Italian newswires reported that he had been in hospital for some days.

"In the last few weeks I strongly felt the embrace of those who were thinking of me," Armani said in an open letter published by several Italian newspapers, mentioning family, colleagues, employees, the press and people on social media.

"Today, on my 91st birthday, I want to thank all of you for the closeness you have shown me. It wasn't easy for me not to hear your applause live. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I'll see you again in September," he added.

The next Milan fashion week is scheduled to run from September 23 to September 29.