Six new names will appear in the official program of the upcoming Haute Couture week in Paris in January 2017. Some of them are not new to Parisian high fashion: since many seasons, they have been showing their collections “off the schedule” or presenting them at showrooms. Still it will be their first défilé as a “membre invite” of the French Chambre syndicale de la haute couture. So who are they?
Rome based Italian couturier Antonio Grimaldi is known for his super feminine designs and sculptural cut. Last summer we met signore Grimaldi in his sumptuous show-room in a very chic Ritz, which suits to his creations so well. I was delighted to talk with this noble-looking man, who possesses everything to be on the top of Parisian fashion Olympus. Riccardo Tisci himself encouraged Antonio and patronizes his compatriot in this ‘’adventurous journey’’.
We have been following the creative journey of George Hobeika since many years. Besides haute couture Georges creates his famous bridal gowns together with Georges Hobeika Signature and GH by Georges Hobeika prêt-à-porter lines. Lebanese by origin, this designer fascinates his numerous clientele by offering his unique vision of a woman-flower. Permanently young and flourishing, sophisticated and delicate, she is an incarnating of eternal spring and femininity.
Maison Rabih Kayrouz launches its first haute couture collection. Another Lebanon born designer, who established his fashion house in Paris in 2008. Being only 42-year-old, Rabih Kayrouz made his Maison known for structural modern cut in ready-to-wear collections. Very different from his compatriots, Kayrouz’s style distinguishes itself by urbanism with a touch of deconstructivism.
His last collection in October (spring 2017 ready-wear) performed by ballerinas from the Paris Opera Ballet ‘prepared’ his entry to the universe of high fashion.
Christine Hyun Mi Nielsen is presenting her first collection during the upcoming Fashion Week. We do not know a lot about this Danish, born in South Korea, talent, who worked at Balenciaga and Givenchy in Paris and Alexander McQueen in London before founding her own brand in July 2016. Big names – big surprises!
XUAN is a fashion label of Dutch-Vietnamese designer Xuan-Thu Nguyen. She established her House in Paris in 2005. In July 2008 Xuan-Thu Nguyen presented her collection within Haute Couture week. After this first attempt to conquer the capital of fashion, the designer turned herself to a more democratic and broad prêt-à-porter line. Xuan is known for evocative stories that her clothes tell. Their aesthetics and constructions work together to convey intimacy, surprise and fragility that underlie her personal experiences.
The last but not the least in our list of official newcomers is Galia Lahav. She has Russian origin and was born in Tel Aviv. The designer established her fashion house 30 years ago. Started with a knitted appliqué and embroidery, she made her name specializing in wedding dresses in addition to eveningwear. Sexy and luxury the dresses of Galia seem to be created for red carpets events. No wonder that they are so appreciated by celebrities all around the globe.
