Fall 2017 Haute Couture: Galia Lahav’s Curiosity Cabinet

Design duo Galia Lahav and Sharon Sever made their debut on the Paris Couture calendar in January with a collection inspired by the Victorian era, with a profusion of corset gowns in lace, tulle fabrics and guipure that showcased the atelier’s craftsmanship.

For their second presentation, the Tel Aviv-based duo found inspiration in Renaissance cabinets of curiosities, or wonder rooms, where collectors brought together unfamiliar objects, often from the natural world.

Their Fall 2017 creations mix elements drawn from the ocean’s depths as well as rich florals, thus the collection of “curiosities” includes sparkling short dresses covered with large round multi-colored sequins that recall the scales of glittering fish - and would be perfect for a night out on the town - along with a profusion of coral motifs embroidered on a sleeve, hip, shoulder, or on a skirt worn under a long sleeveless leather coat..

Waists were tightly fitted with obi belts or large fabric bows, sleeves were often voluminous though clinched at the wrist, with rich velvets in shades of deep blue contrasted against delicate lace.

Overall it was a very wearable collection