Aelis Couture: A Shift in the Future of Haute Couture?

Founded in 2017 by designer Sofia Crociani, Aelis Couture is making a splash at Paris Fashion Week. Crociani designs her pieces with ethics and sustainability in mind. Aelis Couture is the first Haute Couture brand centered entirely around these value, and it creates magical pieces that would look at home in a fairytale.

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Using recycled fabrics, vintage denim, and sustainably sourced materials, Crociani proves that it is possible to elevate reused materials to haute couture status. Examples from recent collections include a puffer coat stuffed with recycled cashmere and a slip dress with hand sourced feathers that took years to collect. She uses vintage ribbons bought at auction, creates jewelry and embellishments using found crystals or pieces from her own collection. 

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And yet, she still manages to maintain a cohesive visual style, with a penchant for ethereal looks that often have a grungy or rocker edge. She uses tulle and lace to create floaty, romantic clothing and combines lights and darks in a way that lends a mysterious quality to otherwise innocent looks.

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Crociani’s new spring 2023 collection is a new iteration of mystique, with just a touch of rocker edge. She has created more magical looks, such as beautiful long tulle gowns and flapper inspired pieces that give new life to repurposed fabrics and jewelry. The ethereal quality of the collection was emphasized in the show by barefoot models wearing smoky, mysterious makeup. 

Aelis Couture is establishing itself as a fresh new perspective in the world of haute couture with its emphasis on sustainability and philosophy.