Twice a year, haute couture provides a much-welcomed distraction from everyday life by transporting us into a fantasy world through impossibly intricate fashion. We can't double-tap the pictures on Instagram fast enough. But, unless you're one of the couple of thousands of customers worldwide who actually buys these pieces (which typically cost anywhere from £40,000 to £250,000, per BBC), odds are you won't see one of these exquisite garments IRL anytime soon. And while we definitely spend time imagining all the alternatives timelines in which we would live fanciful, couture-clad lives, we also enjoy guessing which of these gowns are most likely to end up on our most beloved, stylish celebrities.
See, this particular tier of fashion has become more and more popular for Hollywood's most illustrious events: Think Rihanna's delightfully poufy Giambattista Valli couture gown at the 2015 Grammys, or Kerry Washington's gilded Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda dress at the 2016 Golden Globes. These moments not only put the spotlight on the incredible work of the ateliers and petits-mains actually creating the garments, but they also made for some seriously impressive best-dressed moments. The timing of haute couture fashion week couldn't be more perfect, either, as award show season is just kicking off — so, we wouldn't be surprised if some of the stars sitting front row in Paris are messaging their stylists to put in an order for the next big appearance on their calendars.
Click through to see what styles we're betting on big (or, to just see some jaw-dropping dresses).
Confection Couture
A particular type of ball gown most frequently associated with Giambattista Valli, this style features a voluminous, layered skirt that sort of mimics the look of a sugary frosted cake. Not only does it make a statement — a barely-fits-down-the-runway-sized statement at that — but it creates an instantly-iconic red carpet moment. Who can forget Rihanna at the 2015 Grammys wearing in that magenta Giambattista Valli couture dress? We certainly can't.
Giambattista Valli
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Chanel
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images.
Dior
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage.
Ralph and Russo
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Well-Suited
The idea that the best red carpet fashion comes in dress form is seriously outdated. We saw this most recently with Evan Rachel Wood's custom Altuzarra ensemble from the Golden Globes (and the empowering message that came with it). The spring '17 showing at couture proves that's not changing anytime soon: The fine fabrics, embroidery, and hand-finished detailing of the ateliers is just as exquisitely translated onto a tailored suit as it is onto a ball gown, so we're crossing our fingers that we'll see a few more buttoned-up ensembles at the next award show.
Chanel
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images.
Elie Saab
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
Jean-Paul Gaultier
Photo: Antonio de Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage.
Francesco Scognamiglio
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images.
Schiaparelli
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
New Nude
The naked dress has become as pervasive as sweetheart necklines on any given Hollywood function — clearly, celebrities are fond of this revealing-yet-not-so-revealing style. Seeing as there's a demand, designers continue to improve upon and innovate on how fashion can show some skin. The couture take on this trend features innovate cut-aways, masterful fabric work, and even some more literal interpretations of what it means to create a "naked" look.
Iris van Herpen
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images.
Dior
Photo: Dominique Charriau/WireImage.
Ralph and Russo
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Giambattista Valli
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Maison Martin Margiela
Photo: FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AFP/Getty Images.
Full Bloom
We love the red carpet because it gives the most exquisite designer garments a second runway to parade down — however, we know it's not exactly a showcase for the most inventive, out-there fashion. Still, a larger-than-life floral pattern is a pretty easy way for any celebrity to dabble in maximalism. And you know what they say about florals for spring...
Georges Hobeika
Photo: Estrop/Getty Images.
Dior
Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty Images.
The New Animal Print
Before, it was all-over leopard print. Now, couture designers prefer to accentuate their work with a not-so-subtle tribute to our favourite members of the animal kingdom — whether that's Schiaparelli's known penchant for lobsters, or Georges Hobeika more subtle, sequinned owl pockets.
Schiaparelli
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
Georges Hobeika
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