LifestyleUnleashing Imagination: The Extravagant Rebellion of Style at Paris Fashion Week 2023

Unleashing Imagination: The Extravagant Rebellion of Style at Paris Fashion Week 2023

Anya Taylor-Joy at PFW Haute Couture SS 2023
Anya Taylor-Joy at PFW Haute Couture SS 2023
Images source: © Getty Images | 2023 Stephane Cardinale - Corbis

8:43 AM EST, January 28, 2024, updated: 4:45 AM EST, March 7, 2024

Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture is a unique celebration for high fashion enthusiasts. Stylish and eccentric silhouettes were not just confined to the runway. The city streets were overwhelmed with exaggerated styles, quirky structural designs, and the most extravagant projects. Trendsetters, it-girls, editors, and front row devotees unleashed their imagination. During these few days, the word "weird" gained extraordinary value. The more eccentric, unique, and surreal the style - the better.

Stars at PFW Haute Couture SS 2023

Dressing in such a way feels like living out a surreal dream. Celebrities at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture embodied a plethora of characters – from the admirable to the reviled, the grounded to the lofty. This fashion show is no place for tepid looks, half-hearted feelings, or summer heat.

Anya Taylor-Joy chose officer boots, a black midi skirt with a see-through insert, and a uniquely fashioned top with a deep neckline and a rustic, folkloric design. However, a short jacket, reminiscent of a richly adorned matador's cape, took the spotlight in her outfit.

Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu channeled a unique combination of Jon Snow, Xena Warrior Princess, and a polar bear. The star, famous for her role in the series "Emily in Paris," wore an eye-catching coat. The fluffy, white garment featured a black leather insert, resembling a corset or armor.

Kylie Jenner, a renowned trendsetter, turned heads at the Schiaparelli show with a floor-length, black, body-skimming dress. The inky ensemble was highlighted with a large head of a fierce lion embellished on her torso, as if guarding her.

Doja Cat ragated Kylie Jenner in sensationalism with her rouge ensemble. The red hue of her dress matched her similarly colored skin. Furthermore, her body sparkled with thirty thousand Swarovski stones. She invested five hours in a make-up artist's chair, rivaling the personas from "Avatar".

Italian influencer, Chiara Ferragni, on her way to the Schiaparelli show, seemed to have made a detour through Place Pigalle, dropping by the dressing room at Moulin Rouge. She arrived in a jacket with cones, suggesting an aesthetic burlesque, with a pair of "hot pants," showing her dotted legs, and topped off with outlandish accessories.

Kylie Jenner in a creation with a lion's head
Kylie Jenner in a creation with a lion's head© Getty Images | 2023 Jacopo Raule

Anna Dello Russo, in contrast to provocative trends, emulated the character of a dandy. Her androgynous look was oozing with retro charm and cinematic nostalgia. Striped suits are set to be the trend next spring!

Read also: Soon to flood the streets - The hottest colors of 2023

PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - Street style

Parisian streets are typically graced with classy jeans, white shirts, high-quality jackets, and subtly displayed labels. However, this time, for Parisian chic, it was time to cede to the flamboyant and high fashion - a far cry from day-to-day functional clothing. One can't deny the styles seen can certainly cause a stir. Let's delve into some of the most intriguing picks "from the street".

Shoes embossed in the shape of fingers proved to be one of the most shocking trends. Thanks to their golden finish, they shone as strikingly as the ensemble itself. One can't help but notice the recurring eye pattern – it seems to be a favorite motif, not only for Chiara Ferragni.

What's your take on a coat with oversized fringes? The featured model seemingly wanted to emulate the fairy-tale character of Clementine Medusa. The unique trim of this coat won't be forgotten anytime soon.

An intriguing suggestion that could fit seamlessly on the streets of Warsaw is an ensemble that showcases the hottest colors of the season, containing 'color blocking' accents yet doesn't stray into the realm of the fantastical, keeping a firm foot in stylish pragmatism.

PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - shoes with toes
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - shoes with toes© Getty Images | 2023 Edward Berthelot

Ready for a fruit cocktail? This eccentric mix includes lemon, raspberry, lime, and blueberry tones. Sky-high shoes, an ultra-short mini, a gem-studded top, and a bomber jacket create a vivid blend that takes us on a rainbow journey.

PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - coat with fringes
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - coat with fringes© Getty Images | 2023 Edward Berthelot

The gala of haute couture is reason enough to wear your finest furs. But the chill in the air means warm socks are still a necessity? In the world of high fashion, what may seem tasteless to some may indeed be the next big trend.

PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - color blocking
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - color blocking© Getty Images | 2023 Edward Berthelot

Let's experiment with scale, structure, and optical illusions. The top, designed with oversized puffs, gives the impression of inflated sleeves. In this outfit, craftsmanship, and artistic vision are apparent; the ensemble mimics the shape of a blooming flower.

PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - multicolor
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - multicolor© Getty Images | 2023 Edward Berthelot

The lavender jumpsuit with flared legs combines with striking jewelry. Not earrings, necklaces, or bracelets, but large stones adorning the straps and neckline - it's a modern interpretation of the glamour style that blends the delicacy of the color with shimmer and subtlety.

PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - fur and socks
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - fur and socks© Getty Images | 2023 Edward Berthelot
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - scaled forms
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - scaled forms© Licensor | 2023 Christian Vierig
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - new incarnation of glamour
PFW Haute Couture SS 2023 - new incarnation of glamour© Getty Images | 2023 Edward Berthelot
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