AELIS HAUTE COUTURE SPRING 2024
Aelis Couture made a dazzling statement at the Opera Bastille with its latest Spring Summer 2024 Haute Couture collection, blending history and modern trends. Creative director Sofia Crociani, collaborating with the Paris Opera Ballet, explored vintage costume archives to create a sustainable collection using mainly upcycled materials like cotton crinolines and petticoats.
Aelis, known for shaping garments with the graceful movement of sculpting fabrics, drew inspiration from historical undergarments for body protection. The collection balanced extreme lightness with rigid structures, honoring classical Ballet with flowing tulle skirts and embracing Opera by upcycling petticoats and corsets. Each piece showcased the dress’s history, reflecting a bygone era in a creation that speaks to the future.
A meaningful statement on women’s movement and protection emerged through a corset worn over a black minidress. Crociani’s storytelling skill invited reflection on changing roles and expressions of femininity. Her signature deconstructed gowns with sheer silk draping, delicate tulle, ribbons, and vintage jewels were on display, including a standout light-as-air pink creation adorned with a heavy chain and jewels, highlighting Aelis Couture’s meticulous craftsmanship.
While most of the collection seamlessly blended past and present, a denim bikini top with layered skirts and a leggings-and-blazer ensemble brought an unexpected contrast, sparking conversations about fashion’s evolving nature and haute couture’s role in challenging norms.
This collaborative venture between the Paris Opera and AELIS not only marks a triumph in haute couture but also serves as a resounding call for change in the fashion industry. Together, they strive to elevate awareness about the significance of upcycling in crafting sustainable and ethical fashion. Beyond the realm of design, their shared commitment extends to the environmental footprint of events like fashion shows, emphasizing the need for respect towards our planet. This poignant conclusion underscores their collective mission to inspire both the fashion community and the public to embrace responsible practices, fostering a future where creativity and environmental consciousness intertwine seamlessly.
Images courtsey of Aelis Couture