As Pierpaolo Piccioli sent models festooned in shagpile detailing down the Valentino runway and Iris van Herpen, in collaboration with American artist Anthony Howe, installed a kinetic sculpture on her runway, we were reminded why Paris Haute Couture week is such a special time.

An opportunity for the most lauded designers in the world to showcase collections that speak to their creative prowess in a far more pointed way than ready to wear, Haute Couture serves up some of the most daring, intriguing, alluring and groundbreaking fashion of the year. As such, we thought we would line up some of our favourite moments from the week that was, and hope you find yourself similarly inspired.

Valentino

Chanel

Christian Dior

Giambattista Valli

Iris van Herpen

Givenchy

Fendi

Maison Margiela