Paris Haute Couture S/S 2012: Welcome back, Versace

Haute Couture week kicked off in Paris on Monday, and what better way to start the festivities than by welcoming back one of fashion’s favourite houses to the City of Lights.

In the first Atelier Versace couture collection in eight years, Donatella sent models down the golden staircase runway dripping in colour, sparkles, and chic embellished gowns. Throughout the fifteen evening wear looks presented, bright oranges, yellows and lime green hues dominated, with the sleek gowns and minis radiating that red-carpet-ready look we’ve come to expect from Versace. The models’ slicked back hair and dramatic, smoky make-up seemed to heighten the dramatic tone of the show, and only highlighted the Italian power player’s successful return to Couture catwalks. Diane Kruger and Cameron Diaz were spotted front row, among the first to see the classic, fitted silhouettes of Versace couture. Perhaps the stand out of the show was a dramatic floor length lime green gown, complete with a thigh-high split and heavy structured detailing at the hips. Softening the look was sheer detailing around the torso, which gave the gown a considerably more feminine look.

With shows such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab and Valentino still to look forward to, you can be sure Haute Couture week will continue to light up Paris and remind fashionistas the world over why we still love Couture so much.

Lauren Kruger is a Melbourne based journalism student who loves all things fashion and being inspired by the latest trends, whether it be high fashion or high street. Follow Lauren on Twitter at @LaurenKruger26.

Images: Versace’s Facebook Page