Haute Couture
The Paris Haute Couture shows kicked off last Sunday and I love what I’m seeing thus far – Chanel! Bravo, Karl! Versace! Ditto, Donatella! Seeing the new collections always brings back such amazing memories. I had a blast walking the runway for the world’s greatest designers, especially during the haute couture seasons. I loved inhabiting the extraordinary outfits I got to parade around in for the world to see, and putting on display that part of myself that would wear these sumptuous designs every day, as if there was no difference between slipping on a silk and crystal dress or jeans and a t-shirt.
I have the most wonderful memories of my fittings with all the great designers: Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Christian Lacroix, Gianfranco Ferre, Valentino and on and on and on… just look at some of the photos from my archives that are included in this blog! There’s a story behind each one.
That now famous bustier corset that Christian (Lacroix) had me debut is one of the most sultry looks from the Paris high fashion runways of that time – I will never forget when he had his assistants present it to me in his atelier during my fitting – oh la la! I was giddy with excitement at the mere prospect of wearing it in his collection!
I will never forget the thrill of being dressed by Gianfranco (Ferre) for the Dior haute couture shows! He loved women and knew how to dress them in the most elegant and sophisticated way. Just look at that fur stole wrapped around my shoulders underneath a gigantic bow which sits over a divine deep grey suit with matching gloves – applause! C’est chic! And how much do you love my hair like that…?! I know, me too!! I should wear that style more often…but then I’d HAVE to have that outfit to make the whole ensemble – head to toe – POP!
And of course Thierry (Mugler), another genius. This dress was just incroyable as the French would say. Incredible! The amount of work that the seamstresses put into this creation is unimaginable. These women and men work miracles with their hands, and we are gifted with the outcome of their labor when we get to behold or wear these amazing ensembles. I believe this was the season that Thierry had James Brown – yes THE James Brown, King of Soul, dance with a few of us on the runway as he sang one of his hits – talk about a night! Being onstage with the legendary singer while wearing that extraordinary dress. Yes indeed, the haute couture experience is an unforgettable one!