(Runway)

10 Looks From Couture Week That Herald A Return To High Glamour​

Artful, wearable silhouettes reigned supreme.

by Danielle Naer
Courtesy of Giambattista Valli
Haute Couture Week showcases each fashion house's unparalleled skills in craftsmanship and artistry. Prepare to escape into moments of resilience, wonder, and glamour. Ahead, the 10 best looks from the Spring/Summer 2021 Couture presentations.Courtesy of Christian Dior

Chanel: Look 25

Florals, a motif that Chanel dappled its tulles and tweeds in, feel especially merited this season as they signal new beginnings. According to the show notes, Creative Director Virginie Viard's goal was to create a moment that felt "like a family celebration."Courtesy of Chanel

Valentino: Look 69

Valentino's collection put Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli's knack for layering on full display, with a healthy mix of wearable ensembles (sequined turtlenecks underneath crisp button-ups) and evening looks (a mesh dress with a pearlescent hooded dickey).Courtesy of Valentino

Iris Van Herpen: Look 5

Inspired by Merlin Sheldrake's Entangled Life, a nonfiction read on mycology (the study of fungi), Van Herpen's silhouettes mimicked the perfect ridges and folds of a mushroom.Courtesy of Iris Van Herpen

Giambattista Valli: Look 7

The fashion designer kept with his usual métier of high-octane taffeta gowns. His advice: "Go big and stay home," he told Vogue in an interview.Courtesy of Giambattista Valli

Schiaparelli: Look 8

Creative Director Daniel Roseberry made the absolute most of wearable silhouettes. His latest collection for the Italian fashion house included a trove of beaded anatomical accessories, with cape-like blazers dripping with gilded flames.Courtesy of Schiaparelli

Christian Dior: Look 7

Dior captured its couture collection with a series of tableaus, each of which mirror the faces of 15th Century Milanese tarot cards. Models posed with divinatory symbols, wearing curtain-like brocade dresses layered over silk organza blouses.Courtesy of Christian Dior

Alexander Vauthier: Look 21

The presentation, shot in an iconic Parisian discothèque, tapped into people's longing for a clubby rendezvous. Stretchy, glitzy unitards created a kinetic '80s feel for when everyone's partying again.Courtesy of Alexander Vauthier

Viktor & Rolf: Look 17

Viktor & Rolf's mixed-media dresses, made from upcycled materials, conjured feelings of fairytales moved underground. Each were styled with candy-colored combat boots that, according to the show notes, were meant to help you "stay securely grounded while you're temporarily floating."Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf

Fendi: Look 19

For Kim Jones' first Fendi womenswear (and couture) collection he called on a few celebrity friends to help debut the looks such as Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. Voluminous silhouettes, intricate beading, and ornate prints echoed down the runway.Courtesy of Fendi

Armani Privé: Look 22

Like Chanel, Giorgio Armani took to florals this season. With elongated designs in deep hues, his was a solemn interpretation of the springtime motif. Summed up in one succinct aperçu: "I like to dream, but I remain a pragmatist," he told Vogue. Courtesy of Armani Privé