
Entering the Garde Républicaine’s training hall, with seats deployed by destinations’ from around the globe, it was clear that Franck Sorbier planned to take us on a sartorial journey. Opening the show in a delectable floor length gold crepe gown, adorned with intricate brocade patchwork, singer Kimbra whimsically enticed the pièce de résistance – a breathtaking giant wicker man – out to face the crowd of astonished onlookers.
Photo credit : © Piero Biaison – Maison Haute Couture Sorbier
Once poised in the centre of the monochrome runway, the mechanical figure overlooked proceedings with its powerful god-esque like stature, as the models began to descend onto the catwalk. Like a master of creation, Sorbier took us on a captivating adventure, showcasing his collection of handcrafted creations, each inspired by the designers stunning geographical interpretations.
Photo credit : © Piero Biaison – Maison Haute Couture Sorbier
Each changing soundtrack served as an audio vehicle, helping to transport the mind to the next stop on the journey, enabling Sorbier to subtly differentiate each of his global influences, whilst the models’ interaction with the giant wicker manikin retained the collections sense of vivid cohesion. The giant figure also sought to offer another refreshing dimension to the show as each model appeared to regard the wicker man with a different attitude, ranging from blindly submissive to a cool air of disdain, thus encouraging the audience to question the grand figures’ significance.
Photo credit : © Piero Biaison – Maison Haute Couture Sorbier
With an array of full silk skirts, broderie anglaise dresses, and painstakingly embellished gowns the collection made for a visual feast of haute couture artistry. Each and every piece of the collection oozed Sorbier’s passion for his craft, from the nimble stitch of each delicate spring bird to the picturesque metallic detail that adorned his breathtaking oriental shawl.
Photo credit : © Piero Biaison – Maison Haute Couture Sorbier
As with any great story the best was saved until last and the Paris fashion house certainly did not disappoint. Draped from head to toe in exquisite white lace, Sorbier’s final model was a mesmerising sight to behold. The creation, not dissimilar to a wedding gown complete with sheer chiffon veil, featured an interwoven breast plate adorned with exquisitely detailed tassels giving the dress an almost regal air, as the model delicately floated down the runway. A simply stunning gown that called the end to a simply stunning show.
Photo credit : © Piero Biaison – Maison Haute Couture Sorbier
By Jenna Jones