Fendi takes contemporary haute couture lineup to Palais Brongniart in Paris

Models present creations by designer Kim Jones as part of his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection show for fashion house Fendi in Paris, France, 6 July, 2023.Reuters

Italian fashion house Fendi took to the former Paris bourse headquarters on Thursday for its fall haute couture catwalk show, where designer Kim Jones showed a contemporary lineup of light, sensual gowns for formal occasions. 

Models marched steadily down the marble runway of a stark, white space set up in the neoclassical Palais Brongniart while dramatic opera singing played on the soundtrack.

A model presents a creation by designer Kim Jones as part of his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection show for fashion house Fendi in Paris, France, 6 July, 2023.
Reuters

They wore the slender, floor-sweeping silhouettes crafted with elaborate draping techniques and no apparent hems - as if the fabric had been snipped clear of any extra weight.

The show opened with a long, nude-toned dress with a full skirt, covering just one shoulder and wrapped tightly around the bust.

Other monochrome looks followed, mostly in dusty pastels or black, worn with chunky heels, curved like cowboy boots, and delicate clutches held close to the chest.

A model presents a creation by designer Kim Jones as part of his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection show for fashion house Fendi in Paris, France, 6 July, 2023.
Reuters

Adding texture, jacket and trouser ensembles came coated in chunky crystals, while furry pieces like short jackets worn off the shoulders appeared to be weightless, including a sleeveless gown in mint green.

Jones, who is also creative director for the menswear line of Dior, another LVMH-owned fashion house, took his bow with Delfina Delettrez Fendi, artistic director of jewellery.

Front row guests at the show included Cardi B, Shakira and Naomi Watts.

Zita d’Hauteville, Cardi B, Camila Cabello and Shakira attend Fendi Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023-2024 collection show in Paris, France, 6 July, 2023.
Reuters