Dazzling Schiaparelli kicks off Paris Couture Fashion Week 2018

A collection which sought to deliver innovative designs for those who like it haute provided couture fashion week with a striking start this morning, as designer Bertrand Guyon unveiled his latest offering for Schiaparelli.

The Frenchman, who was charged with breathing new life into the revived label in 2015, was keen to ensure founder Elsa Schiaparelli’s reputation as a trailblazer was kept firmly intact as he unveiled cobweb lace gowns and beetle embroidered tailoring in homage to the late designer’s 1938 pagan collection.

The show, held in the atelier which served as the famous couturier's apartment, also featured delicate jacquard dresses, cut to resemble butterfly wings, along with python patchwork skirts and raffia-trimmed jackets.

In her Thirties heyday, Schiaparelli - a fierce rival to Coco Chanel - was renowned as a fashion fantasist, adored among Parisian high society for her ability to subvert convention and pioneer highly original designs.

Unusual fabrics, such as shredded plastic shopping bags interwoven with silk, showcased the house’s affection for celebrating the more avant-garde side of couture.

Guyon also sent out a love letter to her signature shade of shocking pink in the form of one show-stopping tulle gown which featured a heart shaped bodice.

But while much of the collection was devoted to showcasing the house’s heritage and delivering typically Schiaparelli designs to its long-standing fans, Guyon was also keen to court a new clutch of high-paying clientele.

One pale ostrich feathered jumpsuit looked set to be an inspired choice among Hollywood’s newest recruits looking to stand out from the crowd as a red carpet renegade, while the super-rich growing tired of stagnated trends could have their fashion appetite restored by a mother of pearl appliqué cocktail jacket.