Fashion for the imagination
Dress for your fantasies, not for real life
Channel your inner diva in honor of the stunning looks at Paris Couture Week this month. Whether it's the ethereal looks at Iris Van Herpen or the romance heroines of Christian Dior, or even the Alice-in-Wonderland looks at Robert Wun, this year's couture week left every jaw squarely on the floor. Though couture may not be available to buy at your favourite retailers in town, there are still plenty of ready-to-wear pieces that encapsulate their energy for us to live our most glamourous fantasies. After all, what's couture if not fashion's very own fairytale?
Champagne supernovae
Our tech-couture queen Iris Van Herpen sent a collection down the runway inspired by "exploding supernovae" and the "turbulence of plasma." At once ethereal and slightly terrifying, this is for the daring souls who dream of dressing like a biblically accurate angel, or just those who love celestial drama. Think cut-outs, floaty layers, and lots of shine.
Plenty to atone for
Have you ever wanted to be Keira Knightley in Atonement? Well, in the first half of the movie, anyways. This year, Christian Dior sent a swathe of 1930s-inspired offerings down the runway: ladylike layers, cloche hats, and flowy below-the-knee skirts and gowns haphazardly tied together around the shoulders. There are even a few pieces rendered in a vivid poison green, almost the exact same shade as the scene with her iconic green gown.
Circus business
If you've ever dreamed of running away to join the circus, this is for you. Heal your inner child with carnival dressing for every role, from ballerina to ringmaster, rendered in flawless saturated hues and dramatic shapes at Robert Wun. There are even balloons!
Miranda moment
When the coat is as much of a fantasy as the gown; for those who are still waiting for their Andy Sachs moment in The Devil Wears Prada. Balenciaga's Pierpaolo Piccioli sent big, fluffy, fairy-tale gowns peeking under evening jackets and veils, perfect for every daydream of running away from Meryl Streep at the Met Gala.
Shop our fantasy edit.
