Haute Couture Week is under way in Paris. Twice a year, a few dozen fashion houses gather to outdo one another, showcasing the very best of their artistic and technical prowess, and creating collections that, sadly, most of us will never own. The very definition of closed, haute couture is available only to the few women who can afford it, and created by the few houses invited to join the newly renamed Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
The autumn/winter 2017-18 presentations will take place until July 6, with some of the really big shows, such as Chanel, occurring later in the week.
Highlights from the runways so far included Ronald van der Kemp delivering a slightly madcap collection that, at first glance, looked too bright and colourful for couture. Closer inspection revealed that the patchwork elements were made from vintage fabrics, and some of the most eye-catching prints were, in fact, made from floating, embroidered flowers.
Atelier Versace delivered an exceptionally restrained and refined collection that felt like a newer, sleeker direction for the brand. Beautifully cut, exquisitely executed and understated in tone, this collection is sure to be gracing many a red-carpet event in the future.
Schiaparelli gave us an evolution of dresses, with 33 pieces that moved from crisp mini-dresses to full-blown chiffon, before coming back to a mini-skirted and corseted bride. With shocks of pink (a staple of the house) and pops of surreal imagery, it was everything we could hope for.
Chinese designer Guo Pei embraced the glamour of bygone eras with a procession of shimmering gowns. Moving through a palette of the softest blush to green and teal, before coming right back to inky black, it was an utterly charming collection.
See the Weekend edition of The National on July 7 for full coverage of this week's haute couture shows.
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How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
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The bio:
Favourite film:
Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Favourite holiday destination:
Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.
Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.
Favourite pastime:
Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.
Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.
Personal motto:
Declan: Take chances.
Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Who: UAE v USA
What: first T20 international
When: Friday, 2pm
Where: ICC Academy in Dubai
Boulder shooting victims
• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Bundesliga fixtures
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:
Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Game is on BeIN Sports
Intercontinental Cup
Namibia v UAE Saturday Sep 16-Tuesday Sep 19
Table 1 Ireland, 89 points; 2 Afghanistan, 81; 3 Netherlands, 52; 4 Papua New Guinea, 40; 5 Hong Kong, 39; 6 Scotland, 37; 7 UAE, 27; 8 Namibia, 27