By the time a couture dress hits the catwalk, we almost want to cheer it down the runway. We've seen all the work that goes into the dizzying (and mesmerizing) amount of detail. We know all the hours needed to be clocked in at the atelier in order to create these literal pieces of art. We've shed a single, proud tear after following Raf Simons' journey to his first couture collection for Dior in Dior and I(despite having zero involvement from the comfort of our couches). Point is, haute couture is a totally different ball game, one we love to follow and obsess over biannually — and not just for the craftsmanship it represents. It's also the kind of fashion that elicits a visceral, emotional reaction. It stops us in our tracks, so we're left having to pick our jaws up from the floor and try to make up a missed deadline. (That last one was just me? Okay, cool.)
The process is traditional, but the presentation is in tune with the #squadgoals of our times; the final looks give us unrealistic bridal expectations, or makes us envy a very chic baby's wardrobe. Plus, the dresses are just pretty. Ahead, check out 20 looks that made us go OMG in Paris this week.
Chanel's eco-inspired spring 2016 couture show looked to the great outdoors for inspiration — and the perfectly manicured set built inside the Grand Palais made one canine guest a little too excited. If you look closely, you'll notice that, in addition to the tulle and tweed that regularly makes its way down Karl Lagerfeld's catwalk, the French fashion house adorned some of its structured silhouettes with wood chips and discs; Gigi Hadid gave us a closer peek at her dip-dyed ensemble (look 59) from backstage.
Glittery fabric only shines brighter when embellished with translucent beads and tiny floral appliqués. Also: Who knew phone-belt bags could be couture? (Answer: Only Karl.)
Armani Privé's catwalk wins the award for "Most Satisfying Show To Click Through Quickly," thanks to the lilac color palette that dominated its lineup. Of course, then you have to go back and admire the beautiful pleating and beading in each individual look, which is not to be missed.
After you gawk at the beauty of Elie Saab's full couture range (and that show-stopping final gown), follow the journey of a single look to be totally blown away.
Atelier Versace kicked off the shows in Paris with a collection that was deemed "sporty couture," featuring cutaways and athletic-inspired colorblocked buckles. This braided bodice over a more traditional column gown proves that these two worlds actually can come together.
Every element of Jean Paul Gaultier's spring 2016 presentation was an ode to the infamous '80s discothèques, with highly saturated color pairings and all-over embellishments contrasted with oversized blazers and menswear-inspired coats.
This Dior show was a bittersweet one, as it marked the first collection since Raf Simons' departure. But the brand's incredibly skilled couture team delivered on the delicate balance between historical sophistication and contemporary embellishment we've come to know and love. A structured blazer dress becomes un-stuffy with a sliver of exposed skin at the shoulders, sleeves that balloon at the upper arm, and beads that literally pop from the ivory shell they're sewed onto.
Try this new way — the couture way — to wear your bedroom slip: over a slitted floral pencil skirt, and with ankle-wrap stilettos.
On the Yiqing Yin spring 2016 couture runway, 3-D, vine-like caging acted in lieu of crystals or glitter to create a naked dress effect.
Alexandre Vauthier is not unfamiliar with the wild side — the house is known for its sexy, draped silhouettes that channel a sort of rock-star glamour. The sheer leopard print only makes it a little more literal.
Romantic lace is toughened up by the exposed caged construction at Zuhair Murad.
Still not over Rihanna's Guo Pei dress from the 2015 Met Gala? Then feast your eyes on its maker's latest creations for spring 2016: This ankle-grazing mustard dress may not have a train that blocks any other individual from entering the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, but the extra-long draped sleeves and elegant embroidery certainly make a major statement.
Givenchy knows how to make an entrance: with a black column gown dotted with tightly packed textured discs (and a matching cloak) that turn its wearer into the chicest disco ball there ever was.
For spring 2016, Ulyana Sergeenko drew from her native Russia's history, according to WWD, referencing the tail end of two specific (and very different) eras — the Russian empire in the 1900s and the Soviet Union in the 1980s.
This column gown from Valentino's latest couture collection is a study in contrasts: The thick fabric and heavy detailing on the skirt are offset by the airy (and almost invisible) sheer top, which is outlined by golden coin-like discs.
We're banking on this plunging jacquard gown to make its red carpet debut very soon.
We're partial to Giambattista Valli because he's the maker of yet another one of our favorite Rihanna couture moments — and while there were many poufy confections to go around this season, the designer brought his close eye for detail to shorter frocks (like this caped ensemble) and more streamlined silhouettes.
Don't play with your food — turn it into couture. Clearly, Schiaparelli throws the best dinner parties.
The volume of Dice Kayek's "Woven Tales" collection is brought to life in motion, with full skirts and caftan-like gowns bouncing down the runway.
When your Maison Margiela couture dress turns you into an actual walking sculpture.
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