Let us all thank the subsidies that support haute couture. Supported by endorsements, licensed goods, handbags, fragrance, keychains, et. al, let's step back and celebrate the plain fact that this kind of artistry and craft is still possible. Sell that branded fragrance if necessary. There's a lushness to the shows this season. VALENTINO was lush, moody. Just beautiful. I'd been sensing something with the rich colors from PIERPAOLO PICCIOLI's collections for resort and men's. Fitting that it came into focus at the ultimate showcase of fashion: haute couture... More highlights at FENDI and MAISON MARGIELA... AZZEDINE ALAÏA returned to couture with a wink and a smile, and NAOMI CAMPBELL opened and closed the show. WWD's KATYA FOREMAN says six years (since Alaïa's last show at couture) was worth the wait, and I have to agree. Commitment to craft, uncompromising design, clothes as sensorial experience—all of these things make Alaïa so respected in the industry... Shoutout to ELIZA BROOKE for this piece on the aspirational concept and SEO goldmine that are the words "French" and "girl" smashed together. Happily, Brooke goes deeper into the French girl mythos, exploring the concept across marketing, celebrity, culture, and class... Accessible is a relative term, and when applied to "luxury" in today's market, it becomes even less distinct. This look at "accessible luxury" is another great one from RACKED... Briefs: the most discounted brands on resale sites... DOVER STREET MARKET is opening in LA... Testing the limits of who can wait in line the longest: LV x SUPREME pops up in NORTH AMERICA... When the math doesn't add up... Here's a long scroll for you: a running list of fashion weeks in the USA.