With the Spring 2016 shows at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week officially drawing to a close, we’re captivated by the beautiful and intricate designs on the runway. From flowing frocks to intricate embellishment on the couture catwalks, the season ahead was a sparkling and sophisticated sight.

At Armani Privé, striking embellished slip dresses made their way onto the runway. The collection stayed true to feminine, soft shades of lilac and lavender, which were a statement look. From sheer, billowing sleeves to playful cropped hemlines and sweet ruffles, the theme of the collection was ladylike and dainty.

Meanwhile, Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad stayed true to his signature romantic designs on the couture runway. His latest lineup featured girlish white strapless dresses with elaborate white lace detail, metallic hair accessories and creamy white pants styled with elegant, trailing capes. Models strut the catwalk in strappy silver sandals, fitted white blazers and dainty peplum tops.

At Valentino, designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli showcased a dreamy collection which was inspired by the Byzantine Empire. The designs channelled the beauty of the art created by the early 20^th century designer Mariano Fortuny. On the runway, this translated into sumptuous velvet creations, and rich shades of green and burgundy. The styles themselves ranged from frocks with daring V-necklines and full sleeves, and metallic detail on long floor-length dresses.

Creative director Riccardo Tisci unveiled a line of stunning metallic designs at Givenchy, with figure-flattering embellished frocks making a grand entrance in a series of nude and pale pink hues.  Strategic cut-outs decorated form-fitting floor-length gowns, with occasional splashes of lush green and navy blue bringing variety to the colour scheme.

At Schiaparelli, design director Bertrand Guyon brought back the aesthetic popularized by the fashion house’s founder, Elsa Schiaparelli. The label’s signature lobster print made a comeback on an updated gown, while prints featuring pasta, cracked eggs and twin cherries were also a featured motif on the designs. Food was the major theme, while the actual silhouettes on display ranged from pastel-coloured sleeveless gowns to cropped jackets, pleated hemlines and neat white skirts.

Armani Privé

Major Looks: Pastel shades of purple, dainty ruffles and frills, slip dresses and embellished detail

Zuhair Murad

Major Looks: Ethereal and feminine designs, fairytale frocks, shades of cream and white

Valentino

Major Looks: Byzantine Empire inspired designs, velvet, flowing gowns, shades of green and burgundy

Givenchy

Major Looks: Form-fitting gowns, strategic and sultry cut-outs, sparkling embellishment

Schiaparelli

Major Looks: Trailing hemlines, sleeveless frocks, feminine pastel hues

Photos: Style.com