Jean Paul Gaultier at Paris Haute Couture Week 2021

From Armani to Dior, this year's Paris Haute Couture Week was no less than extravagant.

Serving class and sophistication on all levels, designers’ creativity shone through glamorous productions. Taking elements from the past, present and future, the all-encompassing shows reminded us what couture is all about: embodying high fashion at its peak.

Using the heart of Paris as their runway, check out the highlights from Paris Haute Couture Week shows.

See also: See Balenciaga's Haute Couture Fall 2021 Line, First in 53 Years

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER

Sacai’s Chitose Abe took her artistic genius to Gaultier’s runway, presenting a series of sophisticated and freshly unique couture pieces for the Fall 2021 collection. Reimagining every winter essential—from trenchcoats and blazers to bomber jackets and knit sweater dresses—Abe created a perfect combination of her own skill, layering garments with Gaultier’s archives. The breathtakingly-empowering collection made use of ruffles, satin and chiffon, highlighting the essence of couture. Youthful looks were accompanied by skin-tight nude mesh pieces with designs from tattoo artist, Dr. Woo. As models strutted the runway and posed for a 360 photoshoot moment, every detail was carefully captured, and the collection shone brightly.

CHRISTIAN DIOR

Dior’s dramatic moment never ends. From classical music to the fashion house's signature style, the Dior Autumn-Winter 2021/22 collection took you back in time. Reminiscent of the postwar years, creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri paid homage to all the people who hand-craft materials. The backdrop mural was made by an Indian embroidery school that worked closely with Christian Dior, and the delicately hand-woven works were on display throughout the entire collection. Aware of the struggles and recent devastation of textile industries during the pandemic, Chiuri aimed to display her appreciation of their hard work. The intricate embroidery and silk materials are present in each look, offering a glimpse into elegance and femininity while promoting feminism through social consciousness.

CHANEL

One of Chanel’s most classically-inspired runway shows, this production took place in the Palais Galleria and took inspiration from movements of paintings. As models circled the Palais, the floral-embellished dresses and blazers dazzled across the runway. A wonderful combination of Chanel’s archives and a painterly theme animated the entire collection. Pastel pieces, lace camisoles and bloomers exuded innocence and personified the brush strokes of famous French painter Van Gough and others. From frills to florals, the collection gave off an ultramodern nostalgic feel, which had a grand finale featuring a stunning wedding dress inspired by the house’s pre-WWII era.

GIORGIO ARMANI

Armani’s show glimmered across the runway in the most magical way. From gowns to suits and blazers, the collection was elegantly poised. Using luxury silk and sparkling crystals, each look was an illusionary art piece. Emphasizing timelessness, Armani’s Fall 2021 collection was purely pastel, making use of layers of transparent fabric. The sensory overload of shimmer and vibrancy was utterly awe-inspiring and gave a fresh perspective to couture.

FENDI

Fendi’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection opened ominously, showcasing models as if they were inside of a castle. Graceful and refined, the collection overflowed with florals and shimmery textiles, contrasting the polished royal looks with intricate details. Combining womenswear and menswear in one show, the collection boasted an impressive array of materials, looks and unique patterns that dazzled the multi-level runway.