This Chinese Fashion Designer Favours Sculpture Over Wearability
Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei is proving that elaborate design still has a place on the Paris Haute Couture runway.
Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week takes place at the beginning of July and it’s a chance for the world’s most elite designers to showcase hand-crafted works of art in the form of clothing. July’s event saw Dior and Chanel take a more wearable, modern approach than previously seen, but Chinese designer Guo Pei kept things traditionally elaborate with her architecture-inspired collection.
Guo Pei is best known in the Western world as being the designer behind Rihanna’s 2015 Met Gala gown, complete with enormous fur-trimmed yellow cape comically dubbed ‘the omelette dress’. The theme of the event was China: Through The Looking Glass, and celebrities called upon Chinese haute couture designers to dress them for the red carpet. Pei’s work was also featured in the Metropolitan Museum’s exhibit alongside other Chinese haute couture designers, jewellery and Chinese art.
Pei’s work is heavily inspired by architecture, and her autumn / winter 2019 collection referenced the Cité de l’Architecture, where the show was held. She said of her collection; ‘Very few designers have to dare to use their extreme designs to express themselves… [haute couture] doesn’t have to be wearable like ready-to-wear.’
Dresses were elaborate in silhouette, with cage-like skirts and headpieces adding directional flair to the more minimalist shapes in the line-up. These were works of art as opposed to items of clothing and the monochromatic colour palette allowed structure to remain in focus. Despite the schedule’s ever-more contemporary approach to couture, Pei proved that eccentricity still holds a place at this event.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
See & Do
Spend a Weekend in Paris for the Perfect Winter Getaway
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels With Pools in Paris, France
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels With a Balcony to Book in Paris
Film & TV
This Futuristic 'Vertical' Cinema Is Coming to Paris
See & Do
Romantic Destinations for Your Postponed Honeymoon
Places to Stay
The Best Hotels With a View to Book in Paris
Places to Stay
The Most Family-Friendly Hotels in Paris, France
Guides & Tips
Why a slow weekend In Paris Is the best way to enjoy the City
Places to Stay
Making the Most of a Week in Paris
Places to Stay
Hip Apartments in Paris, France, You’ll Want to Call Home
See & Do
Thrills and spills for all ages at Parc Asterix
Guides & Tips
An Insider's Guide to Paris with Jean-Luc Naret
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
