Dazzling, extraordinary, breathtaking; these mere words do not even scratch the surface of the Haute Couture shows, where every garment is hand crafted by the worlds most skilled and talented sewers. Designed by visionaries who are creating art as well as garments of high fashion, devotees wait twice a year to be dazzled. But these words fall flat. This is a visual smorgasbord of heavenly couture delights. Indulge in these images, but we recommend watching the videos to experience the true emotional drama by seeing these garments on the runway.

Elie Saab, master of haute couture, crafts magnificent designs made-to-order for private clients.

A cloak of many feathers; magnificent plumage by Elie Saab. Menswear that rocks the senses.

“I’ve been receiving requests to dress men for quite some time,” explained the Lebanese designer to Vogue. “They want to show off, to be visible, to get the attention.” No problem there; Elie Saab has arranged for both his male and female clients to luxuriate in sumptuous style.

Bedecked in gold. A gown fit for a princess. Elie Saab.

For the prince, a golden suit with 24 karat intensity. Elie Saab.

Magnificently embellished by hand for clients that require spectacular glamour. Elie Saab.

Draped bow satin bodice by Elie Saab.

Whisper delicate web-like fabric with a suggestion of Eve getting cozy with the snake. Elie Saab.

Shimmering silver beading, each bead stitched on by hand. Elie Saab.

Opulent cascades of silk autumn leaves create a gown of exquisite beauty. Elie Saab.

Sumptuous, rich, appliquéd kimono ensemble. Menswear by Elie Saab.

Spectacular ruby red gown for a night at the opera. Watch the Elie Saab video here.

 

Superstar designer Olivier Rousteing, for Jean Paul Gaultier. Amazing pieced patterns create an intricately crafted fabric.

Jean Paul Gaultier. Nude-look bodice dress, already spotted on Kim Kardashian. 

Draped head to toe in royal blue. Jean Paul Gaultier. Please note pincushion bracelet.

Maternity apparel by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Celebrating the Eiffel Tower. Jean Paul Gaultier.

Turquoise top paired with metallic “tin can” skirt…yes, but can you sit in it? Jean Paul Gaultier. Tin can bracelets add the perfect accessories.

Fanciful openwork leather skirt with lush fur cloak. Jean Paul Gaultier.

Structured gown in up-trending pink. Jean Paul Gaultier. The talented Olivier Rousteing has been the creative director of Balmain since 2011.

This outfit may suggest a more robust version of an Iris van Herpen butterfly design. Jean Paul Gaultier.

Incredible metallic embellished suit. Watch the fabulous Jean Paul Gaultier runway show here.

 

Ethereal pink power puffs by il Maestro, Giorgio Armani. Armani Privé.

There’s no need for Armani to emblazon his apparel with logos. The exquisite cut of his jackets, the easy, liquid elegance of his suits spell out his name with unmatched beauty and sophistication.

Giorgio Armani. His stunning jackets seem effortless.

Giorgio Armani. Bejeweled ensemble.

Hand beaded gown by Giorgio Armani.

Fabulous jacket, full, pleated satin trousers and sheer over skirt, by the master, Giorgio Armani.

Trompe-l’œil  velvet gown. Giorgio Armani.

Giorgio Armani. Outshining the midnight sky, a gown that sparkles with all the stars in the heavens. Watch the delicious Giorgio Armani runway show here.

 

Fendi by creative director Kim Jones. Luxe knit dress.

Exquisite tailoring, precious fabrics. Fendi.

The work of master sewers is evident in this breathtaking ensemble. Fendi.

Coat as easy as a robe. Fendi.

Nothing to hide. This nude look shines. Fendi.

The Japanese kimono reinvented for the modern woman by Fendi. Watch the Fendi Couture Autumn Winter 2022 runway show here.

 

Balenciaga ballgown by creative director Demna Gvasalia.

Balenciaga. Fun feathers.

Classic Balenciaga.

Nicole Kidman glitters in Balenciaga.

Swoon-worthy leopard printed coat accessorized with black mask. Balenciaga. Must watch Balenciaga 51st Couture Collection runway show.

 

Pierpaolo Piccioli, creative director of Valentino, presented his extravagant couture runway show at the Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps, in Rome.

Cheerleader skirt re-imagined as couture. Valentino.

Intricate, delicate, magical. Valentino.

Bold orange jumpsuit. Valentino.

The artistry in this menswear jacket is spectacular. Look closely and you’ll see the meticulous cut-outs within the fabric. Valentino.

Crop top with sky blue feather skirt. Valentino.

Knock-out chartreuse ensemble. Valentino.

Beaded gown illuminates the runway. Valentino.

Perfect pink petals adorn this feminine ensemble. If there’s only one couture runway video that you watch, make it this one. I won’t reveal the ending of the Valentino show, but I will tell you that if you love fashion as I do, you’ll be left misty eyed and intoxicated with the incredible tribute to talent, beauty and craftsmanship. Watch the Valentino show here.

All Valentino models.

Spectacular view of the Valentino runway show from above.

“To qualify as an official Haute Couture house, members must design made-to-order clothes for private clients, with more than one fitting, using an atelier (workshop) that employs at least fifteen fulltime staff. They must also have twenty fulltime technical workers in one of their workshops. Finally, Haute Couture houses must present a collection of no less than 50 original designs — both day and evening garments — to the public every season, in January and July.” – businessoffashion.com