Sometimes, being at the Haute Couture can feel like a dream, like living in a different century. This year, Givenchy put on a presentation–not a runway show–at the historic Hôtel d’Évreux in the Place Vendôme.

First of all, the setting was incredible. Then, the clothes were simply beyond. It was Old World meets the new Givenchy, and the whole thing took my breath away.

Three subtle themes ran through the collection–porcelain white, blush and gold–inspired by the Mexican surrealist painter, Frida Kahlo. Each piece evoked powerful symbols from Amerindian legends.

There were subtle skeletons of lace re-embroidered on blush catsuits layered under light silk tulle dresses, jackets and gowns. There were also crystals and lace highlighting contours of the body, hand-painted fur jackets and intricate silk-fringed gowns that were beguiling and modern.

I felt like I’d gone back in time–and yet it was so modern!

My favorite was the long blush dress with sleeves covering the fingers. And I love that there’s no need for jewelry–no further need to accessorize.

Any single piece from this collection could stand alone–a true masterpiece!

Photographs by Marie Goujon