High fashion ensembles — aren't they such a feast for the eyes? Through haute couture creations of world-renowned designers, we see fashion elevated. As luxury houses experiment with new cuts, fresh pattern combinations, and groundbreaking silhouettes all while showcasing their best handiwork and techniques, the rules of style as we know it are bent. These masterfully crafted high fashion looks are, in essence, a reminder to us all that fashion is, after all, also a form of art.
Still, no matter how breathtaking these masterpieces are, they still only remain a dream for many. High fashion or haute couture creations are set apart from ready-to-wear creations, in that they're all made-to-order for only a handful of regular clientele able to shell out USD10,000 to USD100,000 a piece. And even if you're willing to shell out that much, it's still quite impractical to wear couture pieces every day, with most of them appearing as avant-garde or suitable only for formal occasions. But don't let that stop you from taking inspiration from these pieces. Ahead, we list down some spring/summer 2020 high fashion looks you can cop for cheap and fit for everyday wear.
Prim and proper
(Left) A look from Chanel Spring/Summer 2020 Haute Couture Collection, Photo from: chanel.com. (Right) Pomelo Twin Pocket Tweed Jacket and Skirt, SGD43.2/~USD30 and SGD35.20/~USD24.45, Photo from: pomelofashion.com.
Loved the wonderful tweed ensembles created by Virginie Viard for Chanel's Spring/Summer Haute Couture Collection? Embody the same balance between innocence and maturity with this black tweed pair from Pomelo. The simply structured silhouette also references classic school uniforms, rendering it in a subdued yet highly sophisticated manner — making it just the classic work-appropriate look.
Summertime dressing
(Left) A look from Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020, Photo from: givenchy.com. (Right) ASOS DESIGN Premium Broderie Midi Smock Dress, SGD157.48/~USD109.38, Photo from: asos.com.
Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller makes a case for the perfect summertime aesthetic with her creations featured in their Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 show. Inspired by English garden rooms and love letters between 20th-century literary giants Virginia Woolf and Vita Sackville-West, the romantic collection of high fashion looks encapsulated the blooms of the warm season. Hence, we see huge pristine gowns like this one made with intricate flower-lace fabric. You might not be able to showcase the exact same look for your daily affairs, but you can at least channel the same delicate vibes with this ASOS DESIGN midi dress made stunning by rosy broderie details.
Chic street style
(Left) An ensemble from Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Collection for Spring/Summer 2020, Photo from: jeanpaulgaultier.com. (Right) Pimkie sleeveless lace detail blouse, SGD27.77/~USD19.29, Photo from: asos.com, and RE/DONE Hikari Mori high-rise wide-leg jeans with braces, Photo from: net-a-porter.com.
For his farewell show, Jean Paul Gaultier's SS20 Haute Couture show re-imagined the French designer's most iconic looks from his five-decade career. With over 200 ensembles, this collection is a treasure trove for fashion mavens seeking imaginative creations to inspire them. Those looking for high fashion looks they can cop for cheap and transform into a casual outfit can refer to this fun and chic ensemble. A lace blouse like this one from Pimkie, as well as a pair of suspender pants similar to these high-rise ones from RE/DONE would do well as substitutes for the designer outfit.
A technicolour dream
(Left) A look from Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 Collection, Photo from: valentino.com. (Right) Vero Moda Volume Sleeve Blouse, SGD36.13/~USD25.09, Photo from: asos.com, and Fleur Du Mal Satin-Trimmed Silk Crepe de Chine Tapered Pants, SGD368.16/~USD255.70, Photo from: net-a-porter.com.
Finally, those looking to inject a burst of colour to their everyday look can look to Valentino's high fashion looks for the season. Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli's dreamlike modular creations explored new forms and silhouettes as he played with varying popping hues and patterns. Cop out this flouncy ensemble drenched in the vibrant purple with this Vero Moda blouse with equally voluminous sleeves. For a classy OOTD, you can opt to do away with the bow cummerbund and simply wear this satin-trimmed silk pants from Fleur Du Mal.
(Cover photo from: chanel.com)
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