Guo Pei Couture Spring 2018

Not only was Guo Pei’s Spring 2018 show presented inside a French circus in Paris, it was also reminiscent of the same level of dramatic performance. Each model took their own turn parading on the stage, and at the end, there was a scene involving falling feathers and a live drummer. Below, our show notes on the collection.

Memorable piece —

The opening look, an ornate gold dress that seemed to float across the stage. The massive creation also had golden flowers and stems sprouting from the neckline. It was made of woven bamboo from Huangshan in Anhui, China. The designer worked with craftsmen with over 30 years of experience to create the piece.

Remarkable fabric —

Most of the pieces were surreal in their presence, with fabric research done in Switzerland. Look 12 had incredible ruffled sleeves that riffed on the circus theme.

Best accessory —

The shoes were sky-high and required Circus workers to escort the models to the stage. Each had a translucent, wide, circular heel.

Look 1

Look 12

Collection inspiration —

Guo Pei typically presents her most fantastical collections in January, and her more wearable couture collections in July. This time was no exception, and the designer mentioned the theme of “Life,” as the main inspiration. For her, that meant a world where mermaids, elves, princesses, and deities come together to play.

Location —

The show took place inside a circus venue in Paris— Cirque d'hiver. Guests took their seats in the space, while a huge lit up tree that changed colors hung above them. After models each took their turn one by one, slowing walking around the stage, a model wearing a more traditional (but still spectacular) white dress came center stage to white feathers falling from the ceiling. It ended up a procession of models and a live drumming, plus many bravos and standing ovations.

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