Paris Haute Couture Week is officially over. And as always, it was a whirlwind — runway shows, presentations, private salons, art openings, late nights, and countless conversations backstage. A lot happened in just a few days, and Paris once again proved why couture week is about far more than clothes.
Overall, it was a strong week. But if we’re honest, two moments truly stayed with us — moments that felt intimate, intentional, and emotionally precise: the January 25 show by Mariano Moreno, and the Paris Haute Couture debut of Nour Muhtaseb.
Mariano Moreno
On January 25, Mariano Moreno presented his latest Haute Couture collection at Lapérouse — yes, that Lapérouse. The legendary Parisian venue, with its dark rooms, aged mirrors, and private salons, set the tone immediately. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, the feeling that something slightly secret — and slightly dangerous — was about to unfold.
The collection drew inspiration from Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire, and the reference felt deeply embedded rather than decorative. This was not a romantic or floral interpretation. It was dark, emotional, intense. Beauty here was not soft or fragile — it was strong, layered, and unapologetically complex.
Every look carried weight. The silhouettes, the atmosphere, the pacing of the presentation — everything felt deliberate. There was an underlying tension that made the show compelling to watch, the kind that holds attention without trying to please.
The beauty direction was led by Yulia Dovzhanyn (Julia Fox), Visual Makeup Director, who developed the visual moodboards guiding the makeup team. Her approach ensured a consistent visual line throughout the presentation, reinforcing the emotional depth of the collection rather than distracting from it.
Hair was developed by international stylist Alina Kuznevych, who worked closely with the unusual setup of the space. The hairstyles responded naturally to the environment, enhancing the mood of the show while respecting its intimate scale and architectural constraints.
Nour Muhtaseb
Just a few days later, attention shifted to Nour Muhtaseb and her first Paris Haute Couture presentation. Held at Maison de l’Amérique Latine, the debut attracted a packed room of fashion professionals — editors, buyers, creatives, and insiders — all eager to see how her vision would translate on the Paris couture stage.
The collection, titled “The Tapestry of Time,” was built around craftsmanship and emotion. Embroidery, handmade details, and a refined approach to fabric were central — but nothing felt nostalgic or heavy. The work was deeply rooted in technique, yet unmistakably modern in execution.
What stood out most was the focus on women. You could feel it immediately — this was clothing designed by someone who understands the female body and how it moves. The silhouettes followed the body naturally. Soft draping, fluid movement, and a sense of quiet confidence made the show deeply emotional to watch.
Hair was created by Alona Ksenofontova, with clean, sculptural looks that complemented the garments without overpowering them. The restraint worked beautifully, allowing the dresses to remain the focal point.
Makeup references were developed with Solomiia Romaniuk, known for her work with brows and facial aesthetics. The final makeup was executed by the Godina Team, led by Olga Godina, keeping everything polished, cohesive, and understated — perfectly aligned with the collection’s tone.
Production and Execution
Both shows were produced by 12|11, led by creative director Ruslan Ev, together with co-producer Valentina Varnavskaia. From pacing to transitions, everything felt smooth, intentional, and well-organized. Nothing felt rushed or chaotic — a detail that matters greatly during Haute Couture Week.
Art After Couture
On the same day as Nour Muhtaseb’s presentation, Maison de l’Amérique Latine also hosted the opening of the exhibition “La créativité sans limites / Creativity Without Borders.” The transition from couture to contemporary art felt natural rather than forced.
Curated by Anna Sashina, the exhibition brought together artists and photographers from different countries, blurring the boundaries between fashion, art, and visual storytelling. The space allowed both disciplines to coexist effortlessly.
The participating artists included Victoria Shchelkunova, Dana Ozova, Natalia Sviderskaya, Sergio Durante, Arthur Midianga, Karinne Grimaud, and Denis Popoff — each contributing a distinct voice to the exhibition’s global narrative.
The opening was lively yet relaxed. Collectors, creatives, fashion insiders, and friends moved easily through the rooms. Conversations flowed. It felt international, unpretentious, and unmistakably Parisian.
The main information partners of the exhibition are VUGA TV and Gossip Stone , supporting international visibility and media coverage for the event.
