Metallics in the spotlight at couture shows

After the predominantly wool and tweed-tastic runway events at Chanel and Dior, on Tuesday couturiers brought glam back to the catwalk. Shimmering eveningwear from the Giorgio Armani Privé, Julien Fournié and Alexandre Vauthier collections featured suggestive body-con lamé, gilded prints and high sheen tailoring.

Alexandre Vauthier's vision for fall offered numerous luxe wardrobe possibilities for hitting the dancefloor. Supermodel Bella Hadid stole the show as she cruised down the runway in a shimmering silver wraparound deshabillé dress with a plunging neckline. Vauthier's taste for 1970s disco fashion was apparent throughout the show. Pewter lamé was the choice fabric for two of the show's most stunning gowns: a figure-hugging, one-shoulder mullet dress and a long, draped design featuring a seductive neck-tie.

Much like fellow French fashion designer Alexandre Vauthier, Julien Fournié's collection was a pure clubber's delight with some delicate gothic accents thrown in to the mix.

The couturier shot his collection with lustrous fabrics including flesh-toned silk faille, liquid molten gold leather, and metallic gold lace. A black taffeta dress carried strategically-placed gold sequins while separates in black and gold jacquard were adorned with shimmering 1940s-style geometric lotus motifs. Knotted draping was accessorized with antique jewels in marcasite, onyx and solid silver.

Fournié continued the metallic nude theme with a form-fitting burnished gold leather top, a pale gold lamé body-con dress featuring a cheongsam-style neckline and gathering and sporty drawstring detailing at the navel, and a long sharp-shouldered, corseted and belted floral dress.

Giorgio Armani Privé's haute couture approach to metallics was more refined. Stricter silhouettes with a clear formal occasionwear focus were enlivened with high sheen fabrics.

'Cloaked in a halo of mystery,' the label's desired effect as stated in the show notes -- models glimmered in formal chic ensembles such as the expertly cut, sheeny wisteria, sky blue, celadon and magnolia-toned trouser and skirt suits, and panelled jackets. A statement belted silver overcoat featured gleaming black appliqués and swirling print motifs seemed made for the limelight.