January 24, 2018. Le Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione is a symbolic centuries’ old monument in Paris and at the same time, invokes happy memories in countless children. This time, it will be transformed into a romantic and colorful Elysium, setting the scene for Guo Pei’s fifth runway show in Paris. In all of Guo Pei’s collections, responsibility and life are two topics she is most keen to express.

For this collection, she focuses her designs on the theme of "Life". Elysium, an island of joy and life miracles where white winding tree roots float in the sky. The glittery black center stage reflects the faint blue of an ocean surface and the deep sky. In Guo Pei’s eyes, this is a fantasy paradise full of colorful flowers and wonderful plants, where elves dance and mermaids play, where flower deities wander through an ancient jungle. Flower is the central design element for this collection of 23 pieces. Guo Pei has created a collection presenting flowers in all shapes and forms. From the silhouette to the accessories to embroidery, Guo Pei’s team has adorned the collection with intricate and life-like flowers. The use of innovative and naturally-sourced fabrics and materials is also a highlight of the collection.

This season's fabrics have elements from our natural environment combined with gorgeous embroideries, exquisitely hand-decorated with natural gemstones and crystals. The opening piece is woven with large bamboo from Huangshan in Anhui, China. Skilled craftsmen with more than 30 years’ experience were invited by Guo Pei to work on this piece. Subsequently, this uniquely-shaped skirt was decorated with golden flowers to set the tone for the show. Blue, white, and gold are the main colors of this collection.

The show starts with a series of blue pieces that lay out a mysterious and romantic atmosphere for the whole collection. The color theme evolves from blue to gold, like the sun that disperses the morning mist, the shooting star that pierces the night sky. The warm color of gold symbolizes the endless source of joy in Elysium. While white, color of the soul, implies ultimate purity and beauty throughout the collection. The creative stage design adds a myth to the theme. A tree nearly 8 meters in diameter is suspended over the center. This tree’s roots are hand-made by the famous French paper artist Charles Macaire. The white root symbolizes the origin of life, absorbing nutrients and delivering energy, often overlooked because it is buried deep underground. In Guo Pei’s eyes, a tree’s roots are the source of vitality, the beginning of all life. Elysium is a spiritual paradise in Guo Pei’s dreams. Today, she brings this to Paris, telling the story of this island to anyone who dreams of it. Elysium will free every soul to embrace beauty, understand the true meaning of life, and ultimately find the roots of one's own soul.

Related: Couture Spring Summer 2018 | Paris

Source: FB/Guo Pei
Courtesy of Guo Pei