The hottest trends from Haute Couture Week

With the bi-annual fashion frenzy that is Haute Couture Week over for another six months, we can reflect on the trends that the Fall 2016 shows brought to the catwalks of Paris last week.

Slashed necklines
Couture is by nature a glamorous and attention-seeking affair, and wallflowers certainly need not apply for the Fall 2016 season. Across the board necklines were slashed daringly low to reveal as much torso as possible. Armani Privé emphasized the exposure by keeping the legs and neck covered, while Elie Saab went for maximum impact, teaming V-necks that finished at the waist with equally daring thigh splits. Dior took a more demure approach, balancing out the look with puffball sleeves and Iris Van Herpen opted for a dramatic look that combined a deep neckline and an off-the-shoulder cut.

Feathers
In keeping with the glamour and opulence of the occasion, the fashion houses also pushed their love of feathers. Elie Saab's gowns fluttered in the catwalk lights thanks to their heavy adornment, lending the collection a fairytale vibe, while Valentino's Elizabethan-themed show featured a sumptuous feather maxi skirt. At Chanel, where models sported feather adornments on their shoulders, Karl Lagerfeld's couture bride strode down the runway trailing a dramatic pastel pink feather cape.

Coat dresses
Statement coats were upgraded to dresses at several of the shows, with Ralph & Russo leading the way with a brightly colored billowing trench featuring deep pockets, while Alexandre Vauthier also tapped into the trend, manipulating silky trenches with structured shoulders and pleats, transforming them into rebellious gowns infused with a military style.