Luxury brands show autumn creations at Paris haute couture week

PARIS, July 4 (Reuters) - Luxury materials, exquisite craftsmanship and sweeping dresses take center stage at the Paris haute couture fashion shows this week, where designer brands show their autumn collections.

Italian luxury label Versace was among the first, kicking off its Atelier Versace show on Sunday evening with belted cashmere coats worn over satin dresses.

See the Atelier Versace show:

Models strutted down the catwalk in off-the-shoulder or asymmetric draped gowns, some worn with slim trousers.

Other dresses had cut-out features as well as plenty of pleats for the evening. Adding to the luxurious feel were crystals adorning evening coats and twisted satin drapes on gowns, fit for a celebrity red carpet.

High heels with twisted leather knots were de rigueur.

For the color palette, designer Donatella Versace contrasted pale pink and blue with black, as well as using bold red and dabs of lilac.

Other luxury labels presenting their fall 2016 haute couture creations this week include Chanel, Valentino and Giorgio Armani Prive. Dior presented its line on Monday.

See the Dior show:

More lifestyle:
Who wore what this weekend: Stars in Paris for Couture, Amfar and more
​​​​3 DIY face masks to try at home
SPF game changer: Brush-on sunscreen