When it’s Schiaparelli aren’t we all prepared for a visual treat loaded with an array of artistic and cultural references. Surely too much to embrace but wonderful. Tip toeing between elegant and eclectic, Bertrand Guyon’s Schiaparelli – the brand seems to be inspired by his early years in fashion. He has very neatly brought the precision of Givenchy, the creative bravado of Christian Lacroix and effortless elegance of Valentino to iconic Parisian house.

Schiaparelli’s recent A/W Couture show was titled “ The Solar Circus or Heavenly Bodies”. And the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire words struck a chord –

“ They have burdens round or square

drums and golden tambourines

Apes and bears wise animals

gather coins as they progress”.

The collection was a blend of strength and elegance – a women with Parisian allure fit to stand for her cause in todays times. Inspired by the famous ‘Circus’ collection originally created in 1938, the idea was to create pieces which encapsulate tradition yet initiate a dialogue with modern women.

The collection –

The classic Schiaparelli jacket became more architectural, the colour palate opened up to the hues of hot pink and navy blue. The gorgeous shiny brocade work on shorts and skirts, iridescent pané velvet and dresses made in velvet and chiffon with Calder’s Circus and constellation inspired embroidery evoked a sense of glamour and grandeur. However, among this creative chaos were some classic’s reinterpreted such as a  sassy black velvet jacket paired with a front slit skirt, one shouldered mid-length slit dress, a quilted jacket giving an impression of oversized butterfly and a metal satin grey gown.  So much to take in!