Haute Ambassador Christine Chiu : A Photo Diary of Paris Haute Couture 2013

July is an intensely magical time in Paris. While cyclists race across France to their finish line in Paris, the world of high fashion has already rendezvoused in the City of Lights for the spectacle sensationnel we know as Couture Week. Paris Haute Couture is where the genius of premier designers and thousands of hours of handcraftsmanship manifests itself on a global stage to celebrities, royalty, fashion aficionados, luxury buyers and the press.

Follow me on a photographic journey beginning with Karl Lagerfeld’s ‘On the way from the Old World to the New World’ collection via his apocalyptic opera house set inside of the Grand Palais. Revel in Atelier Versace’s bold and rebellious catwalk on which only a provocative and fleshy Naomi Campbell can strut.

Wander into Giambattista Valli’s dreamy promenade of porcelain and chinoiserie inspired dolls. Romanticize with Armani Prive’s sheer Old Hollywood sensuality. Journey through Zuhair Murad’s enchanted winter’s night dream in an icy forest. Experience Jean Paul Gaultier’s fantastical Femme Fatale with looks fittingly entitled “Catwoman,” “Kill Bill,” and “Cruella de Ville.” Marvel at Elie Saab’s Ceremonie Royale of dancing crown jewels. Enjoy Ulyana Sergeenko’s luxury time travel into a regal Russia and Alexis Mabille’s playdate with 19th Century Italian painter Giovanni Boldini’s masterful brushstrokes. Finally, see Christian Lacroix’s homage to Elsa Schiaparelli in an elaborate exhibition held inside Pavillon de Flore of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs.

During this Parisian week filled with out-of-this world shows, magnificent dinners, and lavish parties to celebrate haute couture, I couldn’t help but wonder if fashion was the destination or the journey.